Rebuilding the Aid Consensus by Kevin Watkins
- Once a leader in the fight against global poverty, the United Kingdom has substantially reduced its foreign assistance in recent years.
- In 2015, then-Prime Minister David Cameron challenged other donor countries to support the SDGs, emphasizing the UK's dedication to allocating 0.7% of its gross national income (GNI) to...
- However, the UK's current trajectory places it among the least generous nations in terms of aid contribution.
UK Aid Cuts Undermine Global poverty Eradication Efforts
Updated June 12, 2025
Once a leader in the fight against global poverty, the United Kingdom has substantially reduced its foreign assistance in recent years. This shift raises concerns about the nation’s commitment to international development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In 2015, then-Prime Minister David Cameron challenged other donor countries to support the SDGs, emphasizing the UK’s dedication to allocating 0.7% of its gross national income (GNI) to aid.Cameron noted that this commitment was enshrined in law.
However, the UK’s current trajectory places it among the least generous nations in terms of aid contribution. This reversal marks a departure from the bipartisan consensus established under the previous Labour government, which had positioned Britain as a leading aid donor within the G7.