Bond comment on press reports of UK aid funds ‘handed to’ hostile actors

In response to reports that money from the UK aid budget was diverted to hostile states, terrorist groups and criminal gangs between 2015–2021, Bond, the UK network for NGOs, said:

“Any reports that UK aid funds have been diverted to terrorists, criminals or hostile actors are deeply concerning, and should be thoroughly investigated. However, it is important to flag that, as it stands, reports do not explain how much of the reported £28billion of misused funds relates specifically to UK aid, as opposed to other forms of government spending such as Covid support schemes, benefits and business grants.

UK aid is one of the most scrutinised and transparent areas of government spending – assessed at levels ten times more than other government spending. The high level of due diligence applied in the disbursement of UK aid ensures that it continues to reach people around the world who need it most, and helps to build a safer, healthier and more prosperous world for us all. During 2015-20, UK aid helped 15.6 million children get a decent education, and vaccinated one child roughly every second between from 2015 to 2018.”