UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) Cuts

The Government has made the shocking decision to further cut the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget to 0.3% of Gross National Income (GNI). 

I have signed Early Day Motion 848, which can be found following this link: https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/63215,  as it is a stronger statement than that proposed by Early Day Motion 925. I have also written to the Minister of State for International Development on behalf of constituents concerned by the reduction in the ODA. 

Global security threats have placed the UK in a position where defence commitments should be strengthened. However, an increase in the UK’s defence budget should not come at the cost of reducing the ODA budget. A cut to the ODA greatly diminishes the UK’s ability to respond to international crises. This decision is counterintuitive, as reducing our support for overseas aid only increases the risk of instability abroad. 

In signing EDM 848, I urge the government to reconsider this decision and explore alternative means to meet the defence spending commitments without reducing international aid. I also encourage Ministers to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to global security and development, ensuring that national defence does not come at the cost of global responsibility.