A warning from a Commons committee highlights that the reduction in Britain’s aid budget could benefit China and Russia in their efforts to destabilize the United Nations. The committee’s report, released before the UN’s General Assembly week, calls on the Government to reconsider the aid cuts to prevent adversaries from gaining influence.
Earlier this year, the Government proposed decreasing aid spending to 0.3% of national income to allocate more funds to defense. This decision followed a previous government’s move to lower the aid budget from 0.7% to 0.5% of national income, despite being legally obligated to maintain the higher percentage.
Furthermore, the budget for the Foreign Office department responsible for multilateral institutions, such as the UN, has been reduced by 65% from 2024/25 to 2025/26. Committee chair Dame Emily Thornberry expressed concern that these cuts could empower China and Russia to manipulate global institutions like the UN for their own interests.
The report emphasizes the importance of the UK using its respected reputation to confront adversarial actions by permanent members of the UN Security Council, particularly China and Russia. The MPs urge the Government to resist attempts to weaken the UN, emphasizing the critical need for strong commitment to international rules and strategic multilateralism.
As the UN prepares for a significant General Assembly week in New York, the UK is anticipated to officially acknowledge Palestinian statehood. This move underlines the UN’s enduring significance, according to Dame Emily. The committee’s report also warns of growing tensions and divisions within the UN Security Council, calling for proactive measures to uphold the rules-based international order.
In conclusion, the report stresses the urgency of defending the principles of multilateralism and upholding the rules-based global order against disruptive influences from countries like China and Russia.