The UK Government’s decision to cut £6 billion from international aid while increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP has sparked fierce debate in the Scottish Parliament.
Speaking during Portfolio Question Time, Maggie Chapman (Scottish Greens) criticised the move as an “outrage”, arguing that the UK has a moral responsibility to aid those affected by its colonial past. Chapman accused the government of prioritising “war over peace”, stating:
“More than 300 million people around the world are in dire humanitarian need right now. The UK’s colonial past creates a particular moral responsibility to those who are still paying the price of imperial exploitation, and we should not give money to those who profit from genocide.”
Chapman called on the Scottish Government to step up its global humanitarian commitments in response.
In contrast, Angus Robertson (SNP) took a more measured stance, welcoming the increase in defence spending but criticising the decision to cut aid to its lowest level in 25 years. He stated:
“I welcome the UK Government’s commitment to increased defence spending at a time of such acute need across Europe. Having said that, I am deeply disappointed at the cut in overseas aid.”
Robertson emphasised that the Scottish Government remains committed to supporting its international development partners through climate justice funding and humanitarian aid.
The debate highlights the political divide over the UK’s approach to balancing national security with global responsibility. While the government argues that increased defence spending is essential in a time of geopolitical instability, critics say cutting aid undermines Britain’s role as a responsible global actor.
It’s interesting that everyone goes..we welcome the increased defence spending….but and it’s this that has so damaged political discourse. If something is correct don’t lessen and remove with the..but… sometimes just sometimes hold up the good thing examine it discuss it in positive ways and allow yourself to agree..
That’s rather nice of them 😏
If it were me i would scrap all foreign aid in a heartbeat, time we told the world to take care of itself for a change and our idiots stay the hell out of it and put this country and it,s taxpayers first…
To an extent I agree. Uk needs to look after itself first, a la Trump. However, there are soft power benefits of overseas aid, not least the potential to discourage others from perceiving the UK as a land of milk and honey where once u arrive money is thrown at u. Obviously thats a hot topic atm. However, priority must always be UK defence and I’d always agree with such a reduction given the limits put in place on spending / funding the present Govt put in place with its manifesto.
In many cases, aid causes more harm than good because it breeds reliance.
The USA is saying that other countries should provide for their own people. Not totally unreasonable.
Food and shelter is what it should be used for nothing else.
Two irrelevant muppets talking about stuff they don’t understand.
It’s truly strange times when I see myself agreeing with the SNP.
This Chapman woman has a strange perspective ie that we should give aid ‘to those who are still paying the price of imperial exploitation’. What is this exploitation? How long ago was it? Did we not invest in the Colonies? Is that not recognised?