**UK Aid Budget Cut by 56% will Affect World's Poorest Countries** The UK's foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, has announced a significant reduction in bilateral aid to African countries, amounting to almost £900m by 2028-29 – a 56% cut. This decision is part of a broader £6bn cut in aid spending, which will be redirected towards increasing defence spending. The cuts will have a substantial impact on countries such as Afghanistan, Somalia, and Yemen, which will face reduced funding from the UK. However, Cooper has stated that these countries will still receive funding from multinational aid agencies. The majority of UK aid spending will now be focused on conflict zones, primarily Palestine, Sudan, and Ukraine. Spending will be protected this year for Lebanon due to the current intense conflict with Israel. By 2029, 70% of all support will be allocated to the most fragile and conflict-affected states. Countries such as Mozambique and Pakistan will see almost all their development aid cut, replaced by partnerships for investment. The crisis reserve for humanitarian emergencies has also been reduced, from £85m to £75m. Cooper has defended the decision, stating that it is a "difficult choice in the face of international threats." However, aid agencies have expressed concern over the cuts. Romilly Greenhill, CEO of Bond, the UK network for NGOs, said: _"Africa and the Middle East, both home to some of the world's least-developed countries, will be forced to pay the highest price because of the reduced budget."_ Bond's analysis of the impact assessment has found that the cuts will leave children, people with disabilities, and older people more vulnerable in countries such as Ethiopia, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia. Additionally, fewer girls and children with disabilities will be able to attend school in South Sudan. Cuts to programmes in Somalia are likely to affect access to health services for women and children. The most significant impact will be felt across Africa, with bilateral overseas development aid set to fall from £818m in 2026 to £677m by 2029. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has stated that this is part of a pivot to multilateral contributions through the World Bank and African Development Bank. Labour MPs have expressed scepticism over the effectiveness of the cuts in bolstering UK military spending. They have pointed out that the long delay in the defence investment plan and demands for billions more in spending from military chiefs in the wake of the Iran-US conflict have undermined the government's claims.