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.