UK to slash funding for overseas water and sanitation projects by 80%

Scale of aid cut emerges in leaked FCDO memo, prompting experts to describe it as a national shame'

The UK is to slash funding for lifesaving water, sanitation and hygiene projects in developing nations by more than 80%, according to a leaked memo.

The cuts have been described as savage", incredible" and a national shame" by experts highlighting that sanitation and handwashing is a key line of defence during the coronavirus pandemic. The reduction to the bilateral aid budget was revealed as details emerged of cuts in the foreign aid budget.