The United Kingdom’s independent aid watchdog has sharply criticized the country’s aid strategy for its focus on “short-term U.K. interests” rather than on the intended goal of tackling poverty — and warned the problem has grown since Brexit.
Its strategy is given an “amber-red” rating by the Independent Commission for Aid Impact, or ICAI — meaning “unsatisfactory achievement in most areas, with some positive elements.” The report urged British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government to draw up fresh “guiding principles” for its “aid for trade” programs, and return to cooperating with rules-based international institutions instead of “working alone.”
The ICAI review notes there was “a shift towards using aid in the UK national interest” from 2015 – when the Conservative party began governing alone – alongside “promoting economic growth and poverty reduction in developing countries.”
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.
