Tearfund's Chief Executive, Nigel Harris, has condemned the UK government's decision to slash the nation's already strained aid budget to fund defence, calling the move "appalling".
Harris warned that the cuts would have devastating consequences for vulnerable communities worldwide, potentially leading to more hunger, fewer educational opportunities for children, and setbacks for women's rights.
He described the decision as a "betrayal" of the UK’s own interests and said it would worsen the suffering of those already facing humanitarian crises.
"The decision to drastically reduce overseas aid is indefensible and short-sighted," Harris said in a statement.
"It undermines hard-won gains and signals a retreat from efforts to tackle extreme poverty, conflict, and global health crises."
The UK government's announcement comes amid unprecedented global challenges, with humanitarian needs at an all-time high.
Harris called on the UK to uphold its global responsibilities, accusing the government of breaking manifesto commitments and undermining the country's credibility as a leader in development and climate change efforts.
"The aid budget saves lives around the world," he added. "Cutting it will result in more deaths, more disease, and more conflict."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said that cutting aid funding to bolster the defence budget was "not a decision I wanted to make" but argued there was "no driver of migration and poverty like conflict".
