Jenny Chapman confirmed the reduced level is the new normal

The UK Government’s aid minister has confirmed the drastic reduction in overseas development funding is not a temporary measure. 

Baroness Jenny Chapman told the Guardian newspaper the current plans were the “new normal” and made reference to what she called a “0.3% world”. 

Chapman took over in February after her predecessor resigned in protest at the Labour government’s 40% reduction in the UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget from 0.5% to 0.3% of GNI. 

Labour had, prior to election, promised to increase international aid to 0.7%. 

Speaking to the newspaper, she said: “I think the aid sector does amazing work and there are incredible people who’ve spent their lives working to make the world a better place.

“At the same time, the truth is that the confidence that the public once had in this agenda has faded, and we need to be honest with ourselves about that. And I will work with them to improve that situation.

“I’m not going to shy away from tough messages when I think they need to be made.”

Last week the aid minister faced heavy criticism from NGOs and MPs after describing UK foreign aid as “global charity”. 

Speaking to the Guardian, she refused to make any specific budget commitments on where cuts may hit, but said the UK would prioritise humanitarian aid.

The admissions come amid heavy criticism from international NGOs, and those working with overseas aid groups in the UK. 

Writing for the London School of Economics’ blog, Guy Lodge, a founder and director of international development group Kivu International, said “UK soft power must not be diminished at the time when it is needed more than ever”. 

He added: “The prime minister’s decision to slash UK ODA to fund an increase in defence spending is not just a major bump in the road; we are living through… a tsunami not a tide that demands serious rethinking of aid and development.

“With humanitarian crises ongoing in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan, and once high-priority sectors such as women and girls, climate, and health all competing for funds – it was always clear that FCDO would be left facing difficult choices. Chapman’s comments, however, suggest that ministers and officials have, understandably, not yet determined the way forward.”