October 27, 2021 — The International Rescue Committee responds to today's announcement by the Chancellor in the Budget which confirms the cuts to UK aid.
Laura Kyrke-Smith, UK Executive Director at the International Rescue Committee, said:
"Today’s announcement that the aid budget will remain at reduced levels until 2024/25 is another blow to the millions of people caught up in conflict and crises across the globe.
The aid cuts are already costing lives. They have left over 97,000 Syrians without lifesaving support and 100,000 Rohingya refugees without access to clean water. Abandoning these people undermines the UK’s credibility as it hosts a vital global climate change summit next week.
The UK must continue to prioritise getting food, healthcare and other life-saving assistance to those who need it most. In doing so, this government must demonstrate that while its budget may be reduced, its commitment to change lives for the better remains firm."