4th March 2025

Dear Prime Minister

Re: UK’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) cuts

We, the undersigned UK organisations working on countering caste discrimination in the UK and promoting the upliftment of Dalits around the world are disappointed and disheartened that UK’s ODA will be cut from 0.5% to 0.3% of Gross National Income (GNIS) by 2027 and directed to defence spending. The decision to reduce UK aid to its lowest level since 1999 is regressive, attacking the world’s most vulnerable populations. This is doubly alarming as this announcement comes within weeks of the ODA funding increase announced on 6th February 2025 to Sudan and the region doubling the commitment for this year, and the United States’ pausing of many of its USAID funding activities.

At a time when global challenges require collective responsibility, it is crucial that the UK upholds its commitment rather than retreating from its obligations. We understand the need to increase defence spend, due to the current rising levels of conflict, war and hostility globally. We commend the Labour Government in taking a positive stance to protect the citizens of the UK and provide more stability and security to Europe as a region and welcome these steps. However, this increase should not come at the expense of the most vulnerable!

The impact of such a decision will result in most Dalit communities, women (especially single mothers), children, and youth who rely on UK Aid being pushed into deeper poverty and suffering. We are concerned that this cut will result in devastating consequences for poor children globally, particularly Dalit children, who will lose access to critical vaccinations, nutritious school meals, and a basic education. Withdrawing or reducing these essential services will perpetuate generational poverty, further marginalising already oppressed communities. The UK has been in the forefront of assisting communities to confront poverty and caste-based discrimination and the current proposed cut will inevitably exacerbate social inequalities and not dismantle them. The idea that defence is more important than development reflects a lack of understanding about the peaceful effects of developmental impact on world communities.

Furthermore, this ODA cut will no doubt impact on the UK’s global commitments and credibility, and also weaken its diplomatic influence. National security and global peace cannot be safeguarded by militarisation while simultaneously abandoning humanitarian commitments. Whilst we recognise national security needs to be stepped up, it must not be done at the cost of the world’s most marginalised communities and countries. The principled stand that Rt Hon Anneliese Dodds MP has taken by resigning as Minister of State for International Development and for Women and Equalities on 26th February 2025 underscores the severity and injustice of this decision.

We have long appreciated the Labour Party’s commitment to social justice and anti-discrimination policies. We urge the Government to reconsider its decision and to at least maintain the nearly £279.7 million announced for the Indo-pacific on 6 February where most affected Dalits live.
Contributing to world peace and security by not compromising on UK’s historical commitment to overseas aid that promotes better health outcomes, education, and provides food security, will in turn provide better opportunities to employment and building nations.

We strongly urge the UK Government to reverse this decision and reassert its role as a global leader in justice, equality, and human dignity. Failing to act now will irreparably damage the UK’s global credibility and betray the trust of millions who rely on its support.

Sincerely

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CC: Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer; Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Secretary; Rt Hon Anneliese Dodds MP; Rt Hon Baroness Chapman, Minister for International Development.