Wellcome responds to UK aid budget cut for defence funding

John-Arne Røttingen, chief executive of Wellcome, said:

“In this period of geopolitical instability, we understand the security need for enhanced defence spending, and that this requires other difficult decisions to be made. This will unfortunately have consequences for international health and development – and we must recognise that there is no global security without global health.

“Today’s urgent health challenges transcend international borders and affect us all. The UK is – and should be – providing global leadership on health and science-informed policy.

“When budget circumstances allow, it will be important that the UK Government returns Official Development Assistance to 0.7% of GNI as soon as possible.”