More than 60 prominent figures, including former military leaders and politicians, have signed a letter urging the UK Prime Minister to increase funding for overseas aid aimed at preventing conflicts. They warn that failing to do so could lead to a "global conflict crisis" where the UK is ill-prepared to respond.
The letter highlights that violent conflicts are affecting more countries than ever since World War II. It points out that these conflicts disrupt economies and shift focus away from pressing issues like human rights, climate change, and gender equality. Notable signatories include Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller, former head of MI5, and General Lord Richard Dannatt, a former head of the army.
The group is not asking for a reversal of the planned cuts to the overseas aid budget, which is set to decrease from 0.5% to 0.3% of GDP by 2027 to fund increased defense spending. Instead, they want a larger portion of the reduced budget to be dedicated to conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Currently, this area receives only about 1% to 1.5% of total overseas aid, a significant drop from 4% in 2018.
Lord Jack McConnell, co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Conflict Prevention, emphasized the importance of increasing this funding to effectively address and mitigate violent conflicts. The signatories are advocating for a comprehensive approach to conflict resolution to be included in the upcoming national security strategy, expected to be released before a NATO summit next week.
The letter also expresses concern that essential initiatives, such as those supporting peace agreements in countries like the Philippines, Colombia, and Ethiopia, may be at risk due to the cuts. The signatories argue that neglecting conflict prevention could lead to greater insecurity, forced displacement, and humanitarian crises, which would ultimately require more resources from both armed forces and aid organizations.
In summary, these public figures are calling on the government to rethink its priorities in foreign aid, stressing that investing in conflict prevention is not just beneficial but essential for global stability and national security.