LONDON, UK – October 5, 2025 – The Conservative Party’s plan to cut UK international assistance is anti-Conservative and out of touch with the majority of the British public, the ONE Campaign has said.

In a press release issued on Sunday, shadow Chancellor Mel Stride said that, in government, the Tories would deliver “serious cuts to the overseas aid budget” amounting to “nearly £7 billion” in savings.

Responding to the proposed cuts, seemingly on top of the £6 billion (40%) cut overseen by the current Labour government, Adrian Lovett, UK Executive Director of the ONE Campaign, said:

“This is not serious policymaking. The numbers don’t add up – there will not be £7 billion there to cut. If it were ever enacted it would cost millions of children’s lives and would also make Britain poorer, weaker and less safe. This seems to be more about trying to outdo others on the political right than about setting out responsible policy.

“The UK’s investment in health and humanitarian assistance saves lives, stops deadly diseases from reaching our shores, protects women and girls, and prevents instability and conflict around the world.

“At a time when crises are multiplying – from humanitarian emergencies to climate disasters – this proposal would harm those most in need and leave Britain weaker. From a party that can point to a proud record of responsible, value-for-money investments in international cooperation, this policy appears to be anti-Conservative.”

Polling from More in Common shows that a significant majority of the British public want to protect aid that saves lives, supports women and girls and strengthens the UK’s ability to prevent future pandemics.

The ONE Campaign is urging all political parties to reject short-sighted proposals that would damage the UK’s interests and values, and instead commit to restoring Britain’s reputation as a trusted partner in tackling shared international challenges.

-ENDS-

About The ONE Campaign: 

ONE is a global, nonpartisan organisation advocating for the investments needed to create economic opportunities and healthier lives in Africa. Our trusted advocacy uses hard-hitting data, grassroots activism, political engagement, and strategic partnerships to influence decision-makers.