Britain to Miss Overseas Aid Targets for Next Five Years, Jeremy Hunt Warns

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has stated that Britain will not meet its spending targets for overseas aid for another five years. Instead, billions of pounds will be allocated to domestic spending rather than being directed towards the foreign aid budget. The temporary reduction in cash splurge on aid was imposed in 2021 due to the financial strain caused by the pandemic. Rishi Sunak announced a cut in overseas aid from 0.7 per cent to 0.5 per cent during the spending review that year, resulting in savings of approximately £4 billion.

Commitment to Overseas Aid Targets

During his appearance before the Treasury Select Committee, Jeremy Hunt was questioned about the provisions in place to meet the aid target in the next five years. He responded by saying that he did not believe the current fiscal position allowed for it. However, he emphasized the government's commitment to achieving the target when it becomes affordable to do so. Mr. Hunt further stated that it was not possible to include the budget for this target in the next five-year figures.

Backlash and Alternative Proposals

Jeremy Hunt, who rebelled against the spending cut while serving as a backbench MP, faced criticism for the decision. Whitehall sources indicated that reaching the aid target again would depend on the country's economic recovery. John O'Connell, CEO of the TaxPayers' Alliance, welcomed the Chancellor's approach, suggesting that the 0.7 per cent target should be scrapped altogether, with aid spending focused on responding to genuine humanitarian emergencies. Former Prime Minister David Cameron, who previously opposed the reduction to 0.5 per cent, now considers himself a "realist" on lowering the budget.