London, United Kingdom, February 25, 2025 — David Miliband, President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, said,
"The UK government's decision to cut aid by 6 billion in order to fund defence spending is a blow to Britain’s proud reputation as a global humanitarian and development leader. Today, an unprecedented 300 million people are in humanitarian need around the world. The global consequences of this decision will be far reaching and devastating for people who need more help not less.
We recognise the complex challenges facing the UK government in today's unstable world. The UK aid budget is famed for its value for money, innovation and impact for those in the greatest need around the world. We don’t know where the aid cuts will fall but we do know that current investments are meeting desperate needs. The danger is that without humanitarian help more people will flee their homes to seek security and global health will be severely compromised. Britain’s aid budget has been a vital part of Britain’s foreign policy for many years, tackling instability as well as poverty.
As this government has acknowledged—and as IRC evidence and UK-funded programmes have demonstrated—smart investment in humanitarian aid can help tackle challenges that affect communities worldwide. From conflict and climate vulnerability to extreme poverty, UK aid and strong humanitarian support builds resilience in fragile states, reduces displacement of people, and addresses the root causes of insecurity.
Now is the time to step up and tackle poverty, conflict and insecurity, not further reduce the aid budget."