UK Government refuses to commit nutrition aid amid budget cuts

The UK Government has refused to commit to future nutrition funding, dismissing calls from MPs to safeguard aid for global food security amid a growing hunger crisis.

In its official response to a report by the International Development Committee (IDC), the Government stated that it was unable to pledge support at the upcoming Nutrition for Growth Summit or to the Child Nutrition Fund.

It cited the ongoing Spending Review as the reason for withholding firm commitments, while reiterating that its decision to cut overall aid was “necessary” to meet new defence spending targets.

“The Government’s response sets out some positive steps and a desire to do the right thing, which makes it odd that they’ve not agreed to more of our recommendations,” said Sarah Champion MP, Chair of the International Development Committee.

Urged to lead by example

The IDC’s report urged the Government to lead by example in fighting global hunger, calling for long-term, predictable aid for nutrition and food security efforts. It warned that a repeat in the way in which cuts were handled in 2020 could mean “the damage to the UK’s reputation will be all but impossible to reverse.”

Champion added: “While it is understandable that Ministers might not want to make promises they cannot keep, one can only surmise that important decisions on aid and development are being held hostage by the spending review process.”

The report focused on the UK’s contribution to Sustainable Development Goal 2 – a target set ten years ago to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030. It highlighted the urgent need for action. According to the UN World Food Programme, 733 million people face hunger, and 45 million children under five are suffering from acute malnutrition.

Despite acknowledging the impact of hunger and the importance of aid, the Government maintained that protecting national security was “the first duty of any government.” It linked aid reductions directly to its ambition to raise defence spending to 2.5 percent of gross national income by 2027.

The Committee also raised concerns over the Government’s failure to provide clarity on future aid plans.

“There are hints in this response of the ‘significant shifts’ required to deliver sharp aid cuts,” said Champion. “But what will these shifts actually involve? The Committee heard no further detail during our recent evidence session with the Development Minister.”