UK aid cuts set to be the steepest of any G7 country this year - Bond reaction

Following a report by the Financial Times this morning, highlighting that the UK aid cuts are set to be the steepest of any G7 country, including the US, Gideon Rabinowitz, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Bond, the UK network of NGOs, said:

“The pace and scale of the UK’s retreat from its international development commitments are already having devastating consequences for millions of people around the world, particularly on the most marginalised groups including women and children.

The UK has a proud history of leading the fight against global poverty, inequality and conflict, and these successive cuts – the steepest decline in ODA budgets of any G7 country between 2024-26 – will cost lives and damage the UK’s credibility at home and abroad.

The UK aid budget is a smart and strategic investment that helps prevent future pandemics, supports fragile states to build peace and strengthens our climate security. At a time of increasing global instability, and with the most severe cuts still to take effect, the UK should urgently recommit to an ambitious international development agenda, reverse the UK aid cuts, and step up on global reforms needed to make the world a safer, more prosperous place for us all.”

Tim Wainwright, Chief Executive of WaterAid UK said: “By focusing only on immediate crises and quick wins, the UK risks missing a trick: long-term investments in water and sanitation strengthens resilience, protects lives, and safeguards both global and national security. Yet this is impossible if the government abandons its role as a trusted champion of international development and continues devaluing aid spend, especially on global water access.”

ENDS.

Notes for editors

The Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget was reduced to 0.3% of GNI in February 2025, to fund an increase in defence spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of GDP by 2027.
According to the FT, The UK is due to cut its ODA budget by around 27% in 2026-27, compared with 2024-25, will the US cuts are due to be 23% lower in 2026 than in 2024.
The UK ODA allocations for the next three years are due to be published imminently. Bond will be conducting analysis on the figures and will be sharing this analysis following the announcement.
Read Bond’s briefing on the impact of the UK aid cuts on affected communities which contains examples of programmes and funding that has already been confirmed as cut or is at risk as a result of the UK aid cuts.
Bond unites and supports a diverse network of over 350 civil society organisations from across the UK, and allies to help eradicate global poverty, inequality and injustice.
For further information or interviews, please get in touch with Jessica Salter, Bond’s Media and Government Relations Manager at jsalter@bond.org.uk or 07392972411.