International development groups react to the Prime Minister’s ODA cut. 

International development organisations and charities across Scotland have echoed calls for Sir Keir Starmer to rethink his government’s cuts to aid budgets. 

The Prime Minister has faced significant backlash after a surprise announcement which confirmed Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding will be cut from 0.5% to 0.3% to fund defence funding. 

ODA was previously cut from 0.7% by the Conservative Government - a move opposed by Labour whilst the party was in opposition. 

Scotland’s International Development Alliance (SIDA) members and organisations across the sector have given their reactions, emphasising the devastating consequences of this decision.  

Frances Guy, SIDA’s CEO, said: “SIDA and our members are extremely concerned about the Prime Minister’s decision to suddenly and drastically reduce the aid budget, which will have devastating consequences for the lives of millions of people around the world.”  

“These cuts will cause significant harm in vulnerable communities around the world, who are already facing the consequences of the US decision to pause foreign aid spending.   

“This short-sighted decision may seem straightforward to the Government, but it may prove in reality to be the more costly choice as people in developing countries are placed at greater risk of hunger, disease, conflict and climate change.”

In a statement on social media, the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF), said: “SCIAF is absolutely shocked at the announcement that the UK Government will be slashing the UK aid budget by 40% - from 0.5 % GNI to 0.3% to fund defence spending. This is once again balancing budget decisions on the world’s poorest people.

“The aid budget shouldn’t be treated as a handy piggy-bank for spending for other priorities, including defence spending.

“UK aid plays a vital role in supporting millions around the world who face extreme poverty, famine, conflict, gender-based violence, and lack of access to basic services like health and education.

“Aid is a much cheaper way to try to avoid conflicts from flaring up by investing in peace and security.

“This cut will absolutely undermine the UK’s standing with Global South countries and is an enormous strategic own goal.

“Following in the wake of President Trump’s decision to obliterate USAID, this is not a recipe for restoring the UK’s international standing. Rather, this slash and burn approach to UK aid, is going to cause devastation.”