Counting vaccine donations as foreign aid will allow UK to cut £140m from budget
IndependentNov 25, 2021
The Facts
On Wednesday, the UK's International Development Committee published a report warning that cuts in the government's overseas budget could see thousands of women die worldwide.
According to the assessment, a 76% reduction in aid for Afghanistan could leave women and girls without critical services, while in Africa, women could see a 100% increase in pregnancy-related deaths and hundreds of thousands could lose access to safe abortions.
The Spin
Right narrative
The pandemic-era aid cuts were undoubtedly a difficult decision, but a necessary one. The UK, facing an unprecedented economic crisis, can only spread itself so thin. As it recovers, so will its overseas aid, as detailed by the government. The Tories will focus on programs addressing humanitarian crises, protecting women and girls, and supporting the world's most vulnerable while delivering value for taxpayer money.
Left narrative
The UK has made significant cuts to its foreign aid budget, which is both shortsighted and immoral. Reducing aid shrinks the country's global influence and further destabilizes the world, as food crises and conflict force millions to flee their homes. Although the UK has outlined plans to increase aid in the faraway future, its assistance is barely a third of what it was three years ago, which will have untold consequences for the most vulnerable.
