Simon McDonald, former head of the Foreign Office, warns against potential cuts to Britain's international aid budget amidst government spending reviews. He emphasizes that such reductions could harm the UK's global standing and negatively impact the world's poorest communities during financial uncertainty. Although a government spokesperson describes the idea of budget cuts as speculation, insiders suggest all areas, including international aid, are being scrutinized. McDonald highlights that development assistance is often viewed as a low priority by voters, making it vulnerable in times of budget tightening.
At times of financial need, development assistance is an easy target for trimming because international assistance is not generally voters' priority.
I hope the Treasury is not sharpening its knife for further cuts: not only has the UK's international reputation taken a knock from the 2020 cut, the international need for such help is greater than ever.
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