UK cuts direct aid to Syria, other fragile states by more than 40%
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The UK is cutting direct aid by more than 40% to several fragile and conflict-affected states, including Syria, South Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan and Sierra Leone, the Financial Times reported Friday. (Financial Times)
The cuts are part of a broader reduction in the UK’s overseas aid budget. Bilateral official development assistance is expected to fall 43%, from £3.14 billion in 2024-25 to £1.79 billion by 2028-29, according to the report.
The Financial Times reported that some countries face cuts of more than 80%, with Syria among the states affected by the reductions. (Financial Times)
UK parliamentary records show that bilateral aid to Syria fell by 36%, from £151 million in 2024-25 to £97 million in 2025-26. The British government said it continued to allocate £104 million in humanitarian assistance to Syria in 2026.
The UK government has previously said it provided £2.81 billion in humanitarian aid to the Syria crisis since 2012. (gov.uk)