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Damning figures reveal extent of UK budget cuts on world’s poorest people

Salamba Ndeye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, poses for a photo at the beach in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024
Salamba Ndeye, a 28-year-old who tried to migrate to Europe twice, poses for a photo at the beach in Thiaroye-Sur-Mer, Senegal, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024 (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
  • UK foreign aid cuts will leave 55.5 million people without essential resources, according to analysis by Save the Children.
  • The cuts, reducing aid to 0.3% of gross national income, will impact programs for education, family planning, water, and food aid, particularly affecting women and girls.
  • While the government claims the cuts are necessary to increase defense spending, critics argue they break a Labour manifesto pledge to restore aid to 0.7% of GNI.
  • The reduced budget, coupled with asylum-seeker housing costs also coming from the aid budget, leaves little funding for other vital programs.
  • Charities and MPs have condemned the cuts, highlighting the potential consequences for global health, education, and the UK's international reputation.
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