Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

USAID Funding Pause

10 June 2025 · 13 other contributors · 12,929 words

Opened by Brian Mathew Lib Dem Melksham and Devizes

Responding minister: Catherine West

Foreign Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Brian Mathew raised concerns about usaid funding pause in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about USAID funding cuts affecting millions of people worldwide and destabilizing global aid efforts.
  • UK's annual budget for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) has been cut by approximately 82%, from 206 million to 37 million.
  • Government urged to maintain funding for WASH and other critical sectors to avoid further suffering among the world's poorest.

Key requests to Government

The UK should not follow suit in cutting aid; the Government must ensure that funding for WASH and other vital sectors is maintained to prevent further suffering among the world’s poorest people.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Brian Mathew Lib Dem Melksham and Devizes

The recent cuts to the United States Agency for International Development—USAID—pose a grave risk to millions of people around the world, as well as to global stability. The UK has effectively lost a key partner in aid due to USAID’s funding pause, and other donors are also reducing their aid spend. According to WaterAid, the UK’s annual budget for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) has been cut by approximately 82%, from £206 million per year down to just £37 million a year in 16-17.

Other contributors (13)
  • Alice Macdonald Lab Dulwich and West Norwood

    In addition to continuing support through aid, the UK must stand up for women’s and girls’ rights internationally. ActionAid projects in Zambia safeguarding women from sexual exploitation were forced to close due to USAID cuts. Welcomed the debate on international development and highlighted the importance of restoring aid to 0.7% GNI. Emphasised the importance of investing in multilateral efforts such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Global Fund. Also highlighted the role of the United Nations and the need for innovative financing methods.

  • Brian Leishman Lab Alloa and Grangemouth

    Raises concerns about the dominance of US influence in UK foreign policy and the impact of cuts to welfare and overseas development aid. He stresses the importance of upholding human rights, international law, and global security.

  • David Mundell Con Glenrothes

    Emphasised that women and girls will be most affected by the cuts, reinforcing a point made earlier.

  • David Taylor Lab Hemel Hempstead

    Discussed the context behind the UK's decision to cut aid spending and highlighted the negative impact of Truss' mini-Budget on the economy. Highlights how previous government policies undermined public trust by cutting services, leading to calls for 'charity begins at home' sentiment.

  • Helen Maguire

    Highlights the impact of USAID cuts on humanitarian mine action by organisations like Mines Advisory Group in various countries, urging sustained funding to keep civilians safe and support post-conflict recovery.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Discussed the moral obligation on countries like ours to fill the gap left by reduced US aid, citing concerns about health and developmental support work. Highlighted the potential influence of China in filling this void. Agrees that NGOs and church groups play a crucial role in supporting people in poverty and filling gaps where aid falls short. He emphasizes the moral obligation to continue spending on aid, despite concerns about political posturing. Suggests working alongside NGOs and faith-based charities to continue important work despite funding cuts, expressing interest in the idea being passed back to relevant Minister.

  • Laura Kyrke-Smith Lab Aylesbury

    The USAID cuts will mean that 280,000 people in Yemen lose access to primary care, mental healthcare and reproductive healthcare, and 3,000 people in Lebanon will be left without education. This is devastating for humanitarian stability, security, and potential pandemics.

  • Mike Martin LD Tunbridge Wells

    Asked a question but did not provide full details in the provided transcript.

  • Monica Harding LD Esher and Walton

    Defends the coalition government's record on aid budget protection despite public service cuts, noting that 0.7% of gross national income was a commitment since 1970 in the Lib Dem manifesto.

  • Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry

    Asked about the financial motivations behind UK's decision to reduce aid, emphasizing the need for economic growth.

  • Rachel Gilmour LD Tiverton and Minehead

    The UK undermining its role as a leader in international development not only undermines soft power but leaves vital regions exposed to hostile powers. The cuts could lead to increased migration pressures, conflicts, and spread of diseases.

  • Shockat Adam Ind Leicester South

    The decision to cut overseas aid is lowering our commitment and betrays the world’s most vulnerable people. The UK’s retreat from moral leadership invites disease, conflict, and extremism back.

  • Wendy Morton Con Aldridge-Brownhills

    Acknowledges the challenges but points out that these cuts are happening under her current Government's watch, emphasizing the need for certainty in the development sector. Asked about the Government's commitment to ensuring half of the development budget goes to women and girls.

Government Response

Catherine West

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs

Pleasure to serve under the chairship. Heard excellent speeches from hon. Members. Acknowledges the importance of understanding impacts on UK development priorities in light of changes to USAID.

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