Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Accepted
UK well-placed to mobilise like-minded states for global conflict resolution.
Conclusion
The UK is well placed to mobilise like-minded states and build regional and bloc-based coalitions to advance efforts to lead on the resolution of global conflict. This applies in particular to those organisations which have a regional remit for country files for which the UK holds the pen on the United Nations Security Council. (Conclusion, Paragraph 46)
Government Response Summary
The government details its substantial contributions to UN budgets and reaffirms its commitment to restoring ODA spending to 0.7% of GNI when fiscal conditions allow. It plans to publish indicative ODA allocations for the next three years, prioritizing multilateral institutions, but states it cannot commit to ringfencing future spend.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
21. The UK is the fifth biggest contributor to the UN Regular and Peacekeeping budgets. For 2025, the UK’s share of the UN Regular Budget is $148 million. For July 2024 to June 2025, the UK’s share of the UN Peacekeeping Budget was $255 million. Our mandatory contributions will not be impacted by ODA reductions. 22. HMG remains committed to restoring ODA spending to 0.7% of GNI as soon as the fiscal circumstances allow. We will return to spending 0.7% of GNI on ODA when, on a sustainable basis, the UK is no longer borrowing for day-to-day spending and underlying debt is falling. The independent Office for Budget Responsibility’s latest forecast shows that the ODA fiscal tests are not due to be met within this Parliament. We will continue to monitor future forecasts closely. 23. Reducing the ODA budget to 0.3% of GNI reflects the evolving nature of the threats we face, but our budget remains substantial. The FCDO is working through detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used from 2026/27 to 2028/29, informed by internal and external consultation and impact assessments. We plan to publish indicative allocations for the next three years in the coming months. The UK Government will prioritise multilateral institutions in the ODA budget, whilst also driving reform of the multilateral system to strengthen its work on humanitarian, health, climate, and the global financial system to help lower-income countries sustain their progress and become self-sufficient. 24. While agreeing with the remainder of the recommendation, it is not possible for HMG to commit to ringfencing any future spend. The decision to allocate ODA funds when the UK returns to 0.7% GNI will be considered by Ministers in line with their priorities.