Archbishop of York responds to proposed cuts to UK aid while defense spending would rise
[Office of the Archbishop of York] Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell has expressed concern over the decision by the United Kingdom’s government to cut Official Development Assistance (ODA) from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income, following the prime minister’s announcement of increased defense spending.
While acknowledging the need for investment in national security, Cottrell has questioned whether reducing vital aid funding is the right approach. He said “Defense and development are not competing priorities; they are complementary. Properly used, development funding helps prevent conflicts, tackle instability and build a safer, more just world. Cutting aid in this way risks exacerbating the very crises that lead to insecurity.”
This decision comes at a time when global need is rising and of the impact this will have across some of the poorest communities in the Anglican Communion.
Cottrell is urging that the government ensures that increases in defense spending include robust investment in preventative diplomacy and conflict resolution mechanisms.
“True security is not only about military strength — it is also about addressing the root causes of conflict, poverty, and instability,” he said. “I am asking that the government conduct a full assessment of how these aid cuts will affect existing U.K.-funded development programs and to take every possible step to shield the world’s most vulnerable from the consequences of this decision. “
