On Tuesday, 26 February 2025, the United Kingdom government announced it would be cutting its overseas aid budget from 0.5% of gross national income to 0.3% in order to pay for an increase in defence spending. GNDR strongly opposes this decision – it comes at a time when communities on the frontline of disaster are facing an ever increasing number of hazards; they and our members need more support than ever to reduce the risk of disaster. We have joined 137 other UK-based INGOs in signing an open letter calling on the Prime Minister to reverse these damaging cuts.
GNDR’s Executive Director, Marcos Concepcion Raba said:
“GNDR is appalled by the UK government’s reduction of its already depleted overseas aid budget to 0.3% of gross national income, and stands in solidarity with our 1,965 members to oppose this decision. That this comes so soon after the US government’s freeze on aid spending only adds to the devastating impacts that communities living on the frontline of risk are facing.
“We know that our members’ community-based risk reduction and resilience building work significantly contributes to peacebuilding and global stability. Reducing support for the world’s most at risk communities at a time of escalating humanitarian crises is not only short-sighted but morally indefensible. UK aid has played a crucial role in saving lives, preventing crises, and tackling the climate crisis. This drastic reduction in funding will push many more people further into poverty and insecurity, and will be catastrophic for our collective efforts to reduce the risk of disasters.
“True security is built through global cooperation, not by withdrawing support from those most in need. This decision is a shameful retreat from the UK’s commitments to international development and the Labour Party’s proud legacy, and risks deepening the very instability that aid helps to prevent. We urge the government in the strongest possible terms to reverse these harmful cuts and step up to show true leadership. It must provide the budget required to meaningfully contribute to reducing the risk of those on the frontline of crisis and support global stability in these incredibly challenging times. “