During the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Kemi Badenoch outlined a proposal to significantly reduce the UK's overseas aid spending. Under the plan, the budget would be cut by £8 billion annually, dropping from its current level of £9 billion to £1 billion. Badenoch stated that this reallocation of funds is intended to support domestic infrastructure, specifically the creation of 50,000 new prison places in England and Wales. Additionally, the proposal includes a £1 billion annual reduction in the culture budget to further support these initiatives.

Charity organizations and international aid groups have expressed strong opposition to the proposal. These groups argue that such a drastic reduction would prevent the UK from meeting its existing financial commitments to international institutions, including the United Nations and the World Bank. Critics further contend that the move would harm the UK's international standing and reputation. While the proposal is framed by Badenoch as a necessary shift toward domestic investment, the humanitarian and development sectors emphasize the potential for long-term damage to Britain’s global influence and diplomatic relationships.