London, 25th February 2025 – Street Child strongly opposes the UK Government’s decision to fund increased defence spending at the expense of international aid, warning that the move will have devastating consequences for the world’s most vulnerable children. 

“Street Child are horrified that we’re effectively making the world’s very poorest people foot the ENTIRE increase in UK defence spending,” said Tom Dannatt, CEO & Founder of Street Child. True global security is built on education, self-sufficiency, opportunity, and stability—not through slashing life-changing development aid.  

The UK has long played a leadership role in education and development, driving progress and fostering stability alongside global partners. By stepping back now, rather than stepping up, the government is not only threatening hard-won gains but also retreating from its shared responsibility—weakening vital partnerships and diminishing the impact of past investments. 

Right now, 251 million children worldwide are being denied their right to education, including 72 million out of school due to crises such as armed conflict and displacement. Without urgent action, these children face futures marked by poverty, exploitation, and instability—fuelling the very crises the UK seeks to prevent. 

“Investing in international education isn’t charity; it’s a strategic necessity,” continued Dannatt. “A more educated world is a safer, more prosperous world for everyone—including the UK.” 

We know that as governments around the world take a step back, the role of the private sector, philanthropists, and other donors becomes even more critical. Their sustained investment is needed now more than ever to ensure children are safe, in school, and learning. The cost of inaction will be far greater—for the world’s most vulnerable and for global stability.