The International Development Committee, a Commons Select Committee, has published Burma Campaign UK’s evidence submission to its new inquiry into the future of UK aid. The inquiry was set up to examine how the UK can continue to deliver high impact international aid and development assistance in the face of a 40% budget cut as the Government seeks to fund increased defence spending in the name of national security.
BCUK’s submission says that cuts in aid to Burma of around 70% at their peak could not have been made based on need as they happened at a time when Burma faced a dramatic and unprecedented
increase in humanitarian need after the 2021 coup. It is not only aid which has been reduced, but also coherent and strategic policy and decision making.
BCUK recommends that the UK return to stable annual budget planning, resume its leadership role and consider broader human rights repercussions and whether the aid cuts will undermine broader UK foreign policy towards Burma.