A new Prime Minister, a new opportunity for UK aid

Delivering on Labour's manifesto commitment to restore UK Official Development Assistance (ODA) would be an important step towards restoring the public’s faith in Labour’s promises and setting out a positive vision for the UK's international engagement. 

Under Keir Starmer’s leadership, the UK aid budget fell to the lowest level in over two decades. The UK has cut aid more drastically than any other G7 country. This is a chance for Andy Burnham to reinstate the UK’s reputation as a global leader in development, and ensure vulnerable people worldwide are not forgotten. 

Cuts to the UK aid budget have had far-reaching consequences. For communities already facing conflict, climate shocks and poverty, reductions in humanitarian funding have meant fewer services, fewer resources and less support at a time when needs are rising. 

Anushree Rao, Concern's Director of Advocacy and Institutional Relationships, said:

“As Prime Minister, Andy Burnham has said he will put the care of people at the heart of everything he does. Under Keir Starmer’s leadership, the UK aid budget fell to its lowest level in over two decades. Burnham now has an opportunity to chart a different course by reversing aid cuts, and reaffirming the UK's commitment to communities facing conflict, hunger and poverty. 

The UK has a proud history of supporting communities facing the world’s toughest challenges. At a time when humanitarian needs are increasing, from Sudan to Sierra Leone, restoring Britain’s commitment to aid is the right thing to do. 

In its manifesto, the Labour Party pledged to restore development spending to 0.7 per cent of gross national income and strengthen international development work. We hope the new Prime Minister will honour this pledge to put humanitarian aid at the heart of the UK’s global role.” 

The previous government's decision to reduce the aid budget created a false choice between development and defence. The new Prime Minister now has an opportunity to chart a different course by reversing aid cuts, and reaffirming the UK's commitment to communities facing conflict, hunger and poverty.  

In Sierra Leone, the impact of aid cuts is already being felt. Funding decisions are having life-or-death consequences for women and newborn babies as hospitals struggle to provide basic supplies to ensure safe births. Essential anaesthetic agents and stitches used to close wounds after surgery, are no longer available, leaving many healthcare professionals facing impossible choices.  

Saratu Olabode Ojo, Concern's Director of the Saving Lives in Sierra Leone programme, has seen how cuts have affected the programme, which supports women and newborns in one of the world’s poorest countries.  

“When funding is reduced, the consequences are not abstract, they are felt by mothers and babies who need access to lifesaving care. Every reduction means difficult decisions about how we reach communities and provide the support they depend on," she explained.

The impact is also seen in Sudan, where Concern’s teams are responding to one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Conflict, climate shocks and funding shortages are placing further pressure on families already facing severe hunger and displacement.  

As resources become increasingly stretched, vital services, including nutrition support for children and families, are being forced to close at a time when needs are growing.  

The wish to restore UK aid is reflected in public opinion. Recent polling from More in Common shows that voters want the UK to continue supporting programmes that save lives and promote global health, with health initiatives among the areas the public is most keen to protect from aid cuts. 

As this new chapter begins, we are asking people across the UK to join Concern’s Voice Your Concern campaign calling on the government to reverse cuts to humanitarian aid. By signing our petition, you can help show that there is public support for protecting humanitarian aid for communities facing crisis.