Keir Starmer, the leader of the UK Labour Party, is under fire for allegedly hypocritical actions after his government announced a significant cut in funding to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The UK’s contribution has decreased by a third, falling from $610 million (£448 million) in 2024 to $435 million in the previous year. This reduction is seen as part of a broader trend of diminishing foreign aid that critics warn endangers lives by exacerbating global hunger and malnutrition, particularly in regions in crisis.

Despite these cuts, government representatives maintain that the UK remains the fifth-largest donor to the WFP. Observers, however, have pointed out a stark contrast between the funding reductions and the government’s public commitment to tackle issues of suffering and starvation on the global stage. The situation is further complicated by a notable lack of financial pledges following a high-profile conference that aimed to address starvation and malnutrition in Afghanistan, raising questions about the UK's commitment to humanitarian efforts amid growing crises.

The implications of these funding cuts extend beyond the UK, as voices like former Conservative aid minister Michael Bates emphasize that the trend of decreasing aid is not unique to the UK but is reflected across other nations, including France, Germany, and the US. He cautioned that while the effects might not be immediate, the eventual consequence could result in loss of lives due to inadequate support in tackling starvation and malnutrition, underscoring a collective failure in addressing this humanitarian crisis effectively.