The UK government has recently announced its plans to increase its bilateral aid allocations for Africa and other regions facing humanitarian crises. This comes after a period of significant reductions in the UK’s overseas development assistance. Recently released figures show UK aid spending is planned to increase next year – from £7.4bn to £8.3bn.
The Chair of the International Development Committee, Sarah Champion MP, said:
“After years of savage cuts, I am heartened to see that the UK is starting to move towards restoring raided bilateral budgets. Doubling bilateral allocations for Africa comes at a time when the continent faces enormous challenges from climate change and conflict. The promised uplifts for programmes in countries such as the DRC and Sudan are needed urgently to tackle grave humanitarian crises. I’m also pleased to see a promised increase for Yemen, which simply cannot come soon enough as communities face a daily battle with hunger and disease.
My Committee will be watching to see that the Government follows through on these promises and that this much-needed assistance reaches the poorest and most vulnerable communities.”
Follow the link below to read the FCDO’s annual report and accounts:
FCDO annual report and accounts 2022 to 2023 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)