Age International statement on the UK government cutting the aid budget

“The UK Government’s decision to cut its aid budget by almost a third comes at a time when the poorest people in low and middle-income countries need it most. Millions of people being driven into poverty due to the COVID-19 pandemic now face further challenges as a result of the UK abandoning its 0.7% aid commitment.

“The UK Government risks losing its reputation as a world leader in international development and this could undermine the UK’s contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. 2021 should be the year in which the UK Government champions action on climate change, poverty eradication, tackling disease and conflict as it hosts COP26 and the G7. Instead, its budget reduction may push those furthest behind deeper into poverty and cause countless preventable deaths.

“The UK public expects the Government to do what is morally, economically and politically right, and not to turn its back on those in greatest need.”