The U.K.’s aid budget has not yet been agreed upon, with almost a quarter of the financial year gone, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has conceded — sparking fresh fears of painful decisions to come.
Cleverly revealed Tuesday that he is still “negotiating with the Treasury” over what he can spend in 2023-24 after the huge costs of refugees in the U.K. — which swallowed up 29% of overseas development assistance, or ODA, last year — have been met.
Sarah Champion, chair of the parliamentary inquiry quizzing Cleverly, called the delay “concerning,” noting that a similar situation a year ago led to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office halting grants.
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About the author
Rob Merrick
Rob Merrick is the U.K. Correspondent for Devex, covering FCDO and British aid. He reported on all the key events in British politics of the past 25 years from Westminster, including the financial crash, the Brexit fallout, the "Partygate" scandal, and the departures of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. Rob has worked for The Independent and the Press Association and is a regular commentator on TV and radio. He can be reached at rob.merrick@devex.com.
