Statement responding to final figures on UK Official Development Assistance (ODA) spend for 2025
LONDON, 17 September 2026 – Dr Philip Goodwin, Chief Executive Officer for the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), said: “Children are bearing the brunt of UK aid cuts. These figures reveal that spending on education has been cut by nearly a third – meaning that even more children will not have access to learning, teaching and the opportunity to build a better future for themselves.
“Education is one of the most enduring, cost-effective ways to make a lasting change to a child’s life. The Government must choose to put children at the heart of UK aid and commit at least 25% of aid to the services that help them learn, survive and thrive.
“It is also disappointing that more of the aid budget in 2025 was spent on refugee costs here in the UK compared to 2024. While it’s essential to support refugees in the UK, the Government must immediately stop funding these costs from the aid budget, so vital support for children around the world is not reduced any further.”
ENDS
Notes for editors
For more information, please contact UNICEF UK Media team at [email protected] or 0208 375 6030.
About UNICEF UK
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.
The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work for children. We also promote and protect children’s rights in the UK and internationally. We are a UK charity, entirely funded by supporters.
United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), Registered Charity No. 1072612 (England & Wales), SC043677 (Scotland).
For more information visit unicef.org.uk. Follow UNICEF UK on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube