Poorest countries hit hardest by UK aid cuts under Keir Starmer government, new figures reveal
Summary
New data shows that the UK aid cuts under Prime Minister Keir Starmer have mostly affected the poorest countries, with a 6.7% drop in funding. While aid to low-income countries fell, aid to some middle-income countries rose, and the overall UK aid budget was reduced to 0.44% of the country's income.Key Facts
- UK aid to the poorest countries dropped by 6.7%, about £118 million less.
- The UK’s total aid budget went down from 0.5% to 0.44% of its gross national income in 2025.
- Aid to asylum seekers within the UK made up 18.4% of the aid budget, down from 20% in 2024.
- Ukraine, Yemen, and Afghanistan were the top three aid recipients, with planned cuts for Yemen (28%) and Afghanistan (39%) by 2028/29.
- Aid to lower-middle-income countries increased by 13%, while aid to upper-middle-income countries rose by 2%.
- Charity groups reported that the aid cuts forced the end of important programs like maternal health and education in some countries.
- Aid workers say that cuts by the UK and other Western donors have led to fewer people receiving help and growing funding gaps.
- Aid groups urge the current Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, to reconsider cutting aid to the poorest and most vulnerable countries.
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