EDINBURGH School Uniform Bank have had another fantastic donation we would like to tell you about!
In January Luddon Construction got in touch to ask if we’d like a donation of clothing. They gave us 200 black hoodies, 150 warm hats and 100 pairs of gloves! Hoodies are regularly requested in our Clothing Crisis Packs as children and young people wear them in and out of school.
Perfect for the cold winter and spring we know all too well in Edinburgh!
Clare and Tanya were delighted to meet some of the Luddon team when they dropped off the donation.
Thank you so much, this really will make a difference!
Doctors urged to provide clear fasting guidance to protect kidney health ahead of Ramadan
Leading charity Kidney Research UK has teamed up with the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) to use their combined expertise to launch new guidance ahead of Ramadan to help patients make informed decisions to protect their health and fast safely.
Many Muslims look forward to Ramadan as a month of fasting, spiritually reconnecting, and doing charitable acts. For some Muslims living with kidney disease fasting may pose risks to their health, but knowing if one should fast on account of their health can be difficult.
The new guidelines, produced with the aid of academics, medical and religious professionals, aim to equip doctors with the information they need to support kidney patients mark the holy month safely.
Dr Sahira Dar, a GP and President of the British Islamic Medical Association said: “Islamic teachings provide exemptions in Ramadan for those whose health might be harmed by fasting, including certain kidney patients.
“This can be complex as kidney health varies considerably. Some higher risk people may be able to safely fast with the right advice. Some patients may also find they can improve their health by adopting healthier practices as part of Ramadan.
“We hope this guidance will enable doctors and patients to have these conversations and stay safe.”
The guidance explains the impact of fasting on kidney function and outlines tailored recommendations for different patients, including practical advice for patients on dialysis, transplant recipients, and those managing conditions such as chronic kidney disease.
It encourages patients to talk to their healthcare team well before Ramadan starts and outlines key advice, including:
· Discussing fasting plans with your doctor to understand any risks.
· If appropriate, trying a short practice fast, to see how your body responds.
· Drinking plenty of water between sunset and sunrise, mindful of medical advice on personal fluid requirements .
· Being aware that kidney disease and medications like diuretics or immunosuppressants may make fasting unsafe.
· How, when breaking fast, to mainatain a balanced diet mindful of portion control, calories and potassium content
· Alternatives to fasting, if fasting isn’t safe and cause ill health.
Neerja Jain, health equalities programme manager at Kidney Research UK, said “We want kidney patients to be empowered and able to approach Ramadan with confidence.
This is why we have consulted with religious and medical experts, and we urge health professionals to make use of this guidance to support conversations with patients so that people can protect their health while still feeling connected to their faith.”
For Blackburn mum Amina Lorgat, clear guidance has been crucial. Her 17-year-old son Rayhan received a kidney transplant last year after his kidneys failed due to IgA nephropathy, and he remains in the high-risk category for fasting.
“We didn’t know how we were going to navigate dialysis and Ramadan last year. It was very raw, new, and stressful for us, but we successfully made the most of the blessed month alongside home dialysis” she explained.
“Post-transplant, there is still a lot to consider, particularly when it comes to fasting. It’s important that there is clear guidance from health professionals about how to safely observe Ramadan at different stages of kidney health.”
Fasting remains too dangerous for Rayhan whilst the anti-rejection medication he takes to protect his new kidney is still being adjusted and his kidney function still needs to stabilise. He also needs to drink at least three litres of water a day.
For Rayhan, this Ramadan will still be meaningful. His family plans to spend time together reflecting on their faith, reading the Qur’an, and helping others in their community.
Amina said. “A lack of awareness from others about your inability to fast for reasons beyond your control can be challenging. That’s why medical advice needs to be clear for Muslims.
“I remember being unable to participate because of chronic asthma and, even as an adult, feeling a sense of wanting to fit in with others who were fasting. Thankfully it is still possible to join the spiritual aspects of Ramadan which are just as important.”
The guidance, aimed at both patients and doctors, can be downloaded at:
Aldi Scotland has proudly announced Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) as the official charity partner of its long running and hugely popular Supermarket Sweep initiative for 2025.
The much-loved event has named CHAS as the exclusive beneficiary, with funds raised helping to provide vital hospice care and support to children with life-shortening conditions across Scotland.
Launched in 2016, the supermarket challenge, inspired by the legendary game show, offers shoppers the chance to take part in a five-minute trolley dash, allowing them to gather as many Aldi favourites as they can within the timeframe. Once the time is up, the lucky shopper gets to take home the trolley full of goodies, while Aldi matches the cash value of the goods as a donation.
Each year across Scotland CHAS supports over 500 babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions and their families. In 2025 every penny raised through the initiative will go directly to CHAS, with £10,000 pledged in support.
With ten Sweeps set to take place throughout the year, the partnership will have a real impact on CHAS’ vital services, providing palliative, respite, and end-of-life care at Rachel House in Kinross, Robin House in Balloch, and across all of Scotland through CHAS at Home.
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director at Aldi Scotland, said:“CHAS provides an incredible lifeline for families across Scotland, offering specialist care and unwavering support during the most difficult moments imaginable. This is a charity very close to our hearts and we’re honoured to be partnering with them for our 2025 Supermarket Sweep.
“The annual initiative holds a special place in the Aldi calendar, donating over £50,000 to local charities since 2016, while offering loyal customers across Scotland the chance to take part in a truly unique supermarket experience.
“We hope this partnership will not only raise significant funds for the charity but also help to shine a light on the incredible impact CHAS has across Scotland.”
Rami Okasha, CHAS CEO, said:“Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep is a fantastic initiative that will not only help raise vital funds for our organisation but hopefully highlight the reality faced by families caring for a child with a life-shortening condition.
“At CHAS, we provide unwavering care to children who may die young and their families, at every step on this hardest of journeys. We are dedicated to ensuring that no family in Scotland faces the death of their child alone.
“This partnership will help us continue to deliver expert care – whether in our hospices, in hospitals, or at home – so that families can make the most of every precious moment together.”
Aldi Scotland’s 2025 Supermarket Sweep will kick off at Aldi’s Chesser store in Edinburgh, with applications set to open on 24 March. Further locations and dates will be announced in due course.
For more information about CHAS and how to support its work, visit:
From 28th – 30th March, St James Quarter will play host to an enviable line-up of style talks, fashion shows, beauty masterclasses and more
Edinburgh STYLE will return to St James Quarter this March; bigger, bolder, and more stylish than ever before. Edinburgh STYLE 2025 will bring exciting new partners, including Pat McGrath Labs and W Edinburgh.
Set to be a vibrant celebration of fashion, design and creativity, guests can expect unmissable masterclasses, expert speakers, fashion shows and live entertainment.
Edinburgh STYLE weekend with W Edinburgh
For the first time, Edinburgh STYLE will offer a weekend package, with a two-night stay at W Edinburgh. The weekend tickets, with prices starting at £918, include exclusive access to STYLE workshops with industry luminaries, front row seats at two fashion shows, pop-up gigs, and a very special drinks reception with the Grazia team, plus VIP speakers and so much more. It’s the perfect gift for fashion-forward mums this Mother’s Day.
W Edinburgh guests and weekend ticket holders will be able to attend an incredible line-up of events across the three days, including talks from some of the UK’s fashion industry leaders and commentators.
Ex-American and UK Vogue contributing editor and novelist, Plum Sykes, will divulge some of her industry-leading knowledge; and Navaz Batiwalla – aka Disneyrollergirl – will discuss how style has influenced her career, from fashion editor to one of the first internationally recognised bloggers, to writing two ult-a stylish tomes.
Scotland’s own Iain R Webb, writer, curator and Professor of Fashion & Design at the renowned Kingston School of Art, will share his unrivalled insights into the evolution of fashion, trends and style.
CEO of Harris Tweed, Margaret Ann, will provide a unique insight into the Brand’s recent Dior partnership, and share how Harris Tweed Hebrides takes a design-led approach to collaboration and partnership. Timorous Beasties, Pam Hogg and more are also confirmed to share their stylish secrets across the weekend.
Alongside the activity at W Edinburgh, the Quarter’s Level 3 the Essential Edinburgh STYLE Lounge will play host to FREE workshops and masterclasses led by top industry insiders from some of the City’s most-loved fashion and beauty brands.
Because this year Edinburgh STYLE is being embraced by our neighbours at Multrees Walk and George Street, shoppers will be able to enjoy a wide range of in-store experiences at over 50 brands.
Susan Hewlett, Brand and Marketing Director at St James Quarter, said: “Edinburgh STYLE has been a key event for St James Quarter for the past four years, continuing to evolve with additional experiences and new collaborators. We are delighted to be joined by a new line-up of partners in 2025, who will add exciting new elements, as well as having our friends from Grazia return for a third year.
“From the ultimate fashion weekend at the W Edinburgh, to amazing shopping experiences around the Quarter, through Multrees Walk and down George Street; along with fashion talks, beauty masterclasses, runway glamour and more, – what a way to welcome spring and spoil mum! STYLE is always around the Quarter.”
Download the St James Quarter app or follow on social media for updates, sneak peeks, and more information on how to get involved in Edinburgh STYLE 2025.
Legends of the game unite to raise £20k for inclusive play and social spaces
A HIGHLY anticipated charity football match is set to bring together property professionals and football legends in a bid to raise £20,000 for an inclusive outdoor space.
The Big Match will take place on March 7th at Spartans Football Club in Edinburgh, with two rival teams – Residential United and Commercial City – going head-to-head to support Capability Scotland’s YouthZone project.
The event, organised by Steve Currie of estate agents Murray & Currie, will see former football stars Gordon Smith and Billy Davies manage the teams, with big-name player Darren Dods and former Hearts striker Gary Wales also taking part.
Funds raised from the match will go towards creating an outdoor play area for YouthZone, a lifeline service for disabled children and young people in Riccarton, Edinburgh. The group offers a safe space for socialisation, skills development, and play at weekends.
Steve Currie, Director at Murray & Currie, said: “The Big Match is all about bringing people together for a fantastic cause. The property sector is a competitive industry, so putting that energy into a friendly football rivalry makes for a great event.
“Knowing that every goal and every donation made helps build a safer, more inclusive space for children and young people at YouthZone is a huge motivator. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone supporting this initiative.”
The £20,000 target has the potential to benefit 65 children and 30 adults, helping them feel more included in their community while providing a safe and enjoyable space to gather.
Costs for the project have doubled due to unexpected issues, and so this funding will allow YouthZone to build a safer and more accessible outdoor space, complete with accessible play equipment and protective fencing.
Ailsa Wallace, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Capability Scotland, said: “This event will make an incredible difference to the lives of disabled children and young people.
“YouthZone is a place where they can relax, socialise, and have fun in a supportive environment, and the funds raised from The Big Match will help us enhance and protect this vital space.
“We’re hugely grateful to The Big Match for choosing us as their charity partner and to all the sponsors, players, and supporters making this event possible.”
Now in its third year, the match is backed by headline sponsors Shepherds and Graham & Sibbald, with Hummel donating kits and The Spartans Community Foundation providing the stadium, changing rooms, and referee, thanks to the generosity of Chris Kirby at Hummel and Dan Gerrard at Spartans.
Edinburgh’s property industry has rallied behind the event, with teams made up of players from Murray & Currie Property, Simpson Marwick, Ralph Sayer, Murray Developments, S1 Developments, VALTTI Paints, Hampden Bank, Handelsbanken, Thistle Property, AH&Co Accountants, Redpath Bruce, Square & Crescent, Melville Independent, Turcan Connell, Square Foot Media, and AMA Developments.
With excitement building, the event is expected to draw a strong crowd of supporters keen to cheer on their teams while making a meaningful difference.
Capability Scotland is a leading charity providing care, support and education to children and young people living with physical and intellectual disabilities, while supporting parents and caregivers through respite.
The charity has multiple outreaches all over Scotland to ensure young disabled people get the opportunities to grow and thrive.
To support The Big Match, and for more details, visit:
Bob Tomson, the internationally acclaimed director of West End and touring musicals ‘BLOOD BROTHERS’, ‘GHOST THE MUSICAL’, ‘EVITA’, and ‘JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR’ has partnered up with Clermiston born Brian Spence to stage his new Scottish Musical ‘EDINBURGH DAYS’ at this year’s Fringe Festival.
The director and composer are giving their talents for free to this project, and are looking for actor/singers from our talented community to come and hopefully join them. The musical is set in the 19th century ‘auld toon’ and is a twisted romance of possession and betrayal.
Would any actor/singers, who’ve always fancied being in an epic musical, be interested in trying out for the specially created Community Theatre Company – ‘Belt Of Celt’?
Or, if you’d prefer to use your talents ‘backstage’, then this World Premiere production is also offering opportunities for associate directors, talented stage managers and wardrobe crew to join the team.
The friendly workshop auditions and meetings will be held at St Bride’s Centre, 10 Orwell Terrace, Dalry, EH11 2DZ each evening from 6.45pm – 8.45pm Monday 3rd March, Tuesday March 4th, and Wednesday March 5th.
This will be a lively and enjoyable chance to meet and work creatively with this West End and Broadway director, and experience more of the composer’s original and powerful music.
Here’s a little bit about the two creatives:
Bob is a BAFTA, OLIVIER and TONY Award nominee, his productions have been regular visitors to Edinburgh and you may perhaps have seen some. BLOOD BROTHERS (2024) ‘outstanding – an unforgettable experience’ (*****Scottish Field); ‘Live Theatre just doesn’t get any better than this!’ (*****Daily Record); ‘Tomson ensures that every emotional beat lands…This production with its stellar performances packs a powerful punch’ (*****Theatres Scotland).
GHOST THE MUSICAL (2024) ‘One of the best musicals I’ve seen in years, if I could give this show six stars, I would’ (*****Musical Theatre Review); ‘even more spectacular than the original film’ (*****Glasgow Times); ‘extremely impressive…utterly magical’ (*****Glasgow World); ‘This feels like the real deal… A thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining night out’ (****AllEdinburghTheatre.com)
Brian, the Clermiston-born composer, has collaborated with Bob on three other musicals – Jeannie Skye, recently work-shopped by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Picnic at Hanging Rock which played at the Chichester Festival Theatre, and finally StreetDreams performed by the Guildford School of Acting.
He has written many original songs for such diverse singing talent as Michael Ball, Rosetta Stone, The Pet Shop Boys, Dusty Springfield and Ben Forster (winner of ITV’s ‘Superstar’ competition).
Just contact them on info@edinburghdays.co.uk for all the details to make your big musical dreams come true!
The 2025-26 Scottish Budget has been approved by Parliament, including £21.7 billion for health & social care and more than £15 billion for local councils, alongside social security measures supporting an estimated two million people.
The Budget invests:
£21.7 billion in health and social care services, including almost £200 million to cut waiting times and help reduce delayed discharge
£6.9 billion in social security, expected to support around two million people in 2025‑26
£4.9 billion in climate-positive investment
more than £7 billion for infrastructure
more than £2 billion for colleges, universities and the wider skills system
an additional £25 million to support the Grangemouth Industrial Cluster, taking total investment to almost £90 million
Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: “I am pleased that Parliament has approved the Scottish Government’s Budget – confirming plans to invest in public services, lift children out of poverty, act in the face of the climate emergency and support jobs and economic growth.
“This is a Budget by Scotland for Scotland. It includes record NHS investment, social security spending to put money in the pockets of low income families and action to effectively scrap the two-child benefit cap next year. We are delivering a universal winter heating payment for the elderly, providing record funding for local government and increasing investment in affordable housing.
“This Budget has been developed through effective engagement and negotiation across Parliament to build broad support. It is through this compromise that we are delivering spending plans that will most effectively strengthen services and support Scotland’s communities.”
COUNCILLORS MISSING BUT LIFT COMMUNITY MEETING GOES AHEAD
It is looking like NO councillors will attend but Peter, Brenda, Stacey and hopefully our chair will be on the panel to take and answer your questions the best they can, we will take a list of your questions and make sure they are sent to the relevant department within the council or to the councillors
We will have a petition to request the centre receives at least one years funding to help us to stay open.
We have been told that the budget is already set in stone but we are asking for any monies left from the 24/25 budget as we already know we wouldn’t be even a thought in the new 25/26 budget
We have been told this isn’t possible but two years ago funding was found for us so we don’t see why they can’t do this again
If you can come along to the meeting please do – and sign our petition!
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY
IT’S looking increasingly likely that many areas across Edinburgh will not have active community councils following the current election process.
With just ONE DAY left before nominations close:
NINETEEN (of 47) Community Councils in Edinburgh have reached the minimum number of elected members numbers needed to formbut28 Community Councils still require more elected member nominations to form.
Muirhouse/Salvesen, West Pilton/West Granton and Davidsons Mains/Silverknowes are among eight areas across the city to have received NO nominations at all so far.
At time of writing no elections will be necessary in any community council area. Elections would only be necessary if more local people came forward than there are places available.
Community Councils are an important element in local and national community planning structures, but lukewarm support at best – and complete apathy at worst – will be a disappointment to those who hoped to see a renewed appetite for community participation.
The city council is currently reviewing community planning in Edinburgh.
Election organisers continue to urge members of the public to play a part in improving their local neighbourhoods – andthere’s still time to submit a nomination form by the closing dateat 4pm TOMORROW – Thursday 27 February 2025.
If you choose to return by hand or by post please ensure you have allowed sufficient time for the nomination form to be received before the deadline at 4pm on Thursday 27 February 2025.
Example completed nomination forms are attached – see below. All sections that must be completed are highlighted in yellow.
Nomination form – further clarification
We being persons residing in and appearing on the electoral register for the area of’ – ‘area’ means the community council area that you are being nominated for. Please ensure that you include the correct name of the Community Council and not the constituency or ward information. You can check the name of your community council on our website.
An individual can be both a single proposer and a single seconder, e.g. They could propose Individual A and second Individual B. They cannot propose or second any other individuals.
A nominees family member (e.g. Wife, husband, brother etc.) can propose or second them in compliance with the point above.
Please only submit 1 nomination form via 1 method of submission e.g. via email OR by hand OR by post. Please do not send multiple copies of nomination forms to the Governance Team as this creates additional administrative pressures.
Since nominations opened we have received a number of nominations which have been assessed as not valid. All candidates have been provided with advice on how to rectify and re-submit by the closing date of 4pm on Thursday 27 February 2025.
Common ‘not valid’ reasons
Below are common reasons why nomination forms have been assessed as not valid:
The nomination form does not detail the name of the Community Council area that the candidate has been nominated for.
The nomination form has not been signed in ink by the proposer, seconder and candidate.
The nomination form has not been dated by the proposer, seconder and candidate.
Photo of nomination form and signatures must be legible.
Below are common reasons why Local Interest Group nomination forms have been assessed as not valid:
The LIG nomination form has not been signed in ink by the President/Chairperson and Secretary/Treasurer.
A copy of the LIGs constitution has not been supplied.
The LIG nomination does not include the name(s) of the Community Council.
If you need any assistance with completing a nomination form then please do not hesitate to contact the Governance Team at community.councils@edinburgh.gov.uk
Defence spending to increase to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% in the next parliament.
Reinvigorated approach to defence industry will drive economic growth and create jobs across the UK, while bolstering national security and protecting borders.
Commitment will see the biggest investment in defence spending since the Cold War as the UK enters era of intensifying geopolitical competition and conflict.
As the UK faces a period of profound change, with conflicts overseas undermining security and prosperity at home, the Prime Minister has today (Tuesday 25 February) set out that his commitment to increase spending on defence to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027.
He has also set an ambition to spend 3% of GDP on defence in the next parliament, as economic and fiscal conditions allow, in order to keep the British people safe and secure for generations to come.
As set out in the Plan for Change, national security is the first duty of the government. In recent years, the world has been reshaped by global instability, including Russian aggression in Ukraine, increasing threats from malign actors, rapid technological change, and the accelerating impacts of climate change.
The Prime Minister yesterday set out how the UK will be stepping up to meet this generational challenge with a generational response.
The announcement comes the day after the third anniversary of Russia’s barbaric illegal war in Ukraine and shows that the UK will step up and meet this pivotal moment of global instability head-on, with a commitment that will see the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War.
The Prime Minister knows that the working people of Britain have paid the cost of malign actors abroad, whether through increased energy bills, or threats to British interests and values. He is committed to making the country safer, more secure, and increasingly resilient against these interconnected threats.
Today’s announcement demonstrates the UK’s global leadership in this space. In calls with foreign leaders over the weekend, the Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s commitment to securing a just and enduring peace in Ukraine and the need for Europe to step up for the good of collective European security.
The investment in defence will protect UK citizens from threats at home but will also create a secure and stable environment in which businesses can thrive, supporting the Government’s number one mission to deliver economic growth.
The increased spending will sustain our globally competitive industry, supporting highly skilled jobs and apprenticeships across the whole of the UK. In 2023-24, defence spending by the UK Government supported over 430,000 jobs across the UK, the equivalent to one in every 60.
68% of defence spending goes to businesses outside London and the South East, bolstering regional economies from Scotland to the North West.
Through the upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy, this substantial investment will drive R&D and innovation across the UK, including developing technologies such as AI, quantum and space capabilities.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “It is my first duty as Prime Minister to keep our country safe. In an ever more dangerous world, increasing the resilience of our country so we can protect the British people, resist future shocks and bolster British interests, is vital.
“In my Plan for Change, I pledged to improve the lives of people in every corner of the UK, by growing the economy. By spending more on defence, we will deliver the stability that underpins economic growth, and will unlock prosperity through new jobs, skills and opportunity across the country.
“As we enter this new era for national security, Britain will once again lead the way.”
In addition to our plan to reach 2.5%, the Prime Minister also announced that the definition of defence spending will be updated to recognise what our security and intelligence agencies do to boost our security, as well as our military. This change means that the UK will now spend 2.6% of GDP on defence in 2027.
This shift recognises that the activities of our intelligence increasingly overlap and complement that of our Armed Forces, emphasising the need for total deterrence against the modern hybrid threats we face, from cyber-attacks to sabotage.
The increase in defence spending will be funded by reducing Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) from 0.5% to 0.3% of GNI and reinvesting it into defence.
This difficult choice reflects the evolving nature of the threat and the strategic shift required to meet it whilst maintaining economic stability, a core foundation of the Plan for Change. Meeting the fiscal rules is non-negotiable, and the government will take the tough but necessary decisions to ensure they are met.
The UK remains fully committed to making the world a safer and more prosperous place. In the current geopolitical environment, the Prime Minister is clear that the best way to do that is by deterring and preventing conflict and targeting our aid more effectively.
For example, we have delivered an increase of £113m in humanitarian funding for people in Sudan and those who have fled to neighbouring countries, which will help to reduce migration flows to the UK and help address one of the major humanitarian crises of our era.
The government remains committed to reverting spending on overseas aid to 0.7% of Gross National Income, when the fiscal conditions allow.
This comes alongside an ongoing review into ODA spend which will ensure that every pound of development assistance is spent in the most impactful way.
This increase in defence investment will help us build a modern and resilient Armed Forces. It will accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge capabilities that are vital to retain a decisive edge as threats rapidly evolve. Targeted investment will reverse the hollowing out of recent decades and rebuild stockpiles, munitions, and enablers depleted after a period focused on international terrorism and global crises.
This modernisation will be supported through improved productivity, efficiency, and financial discipline across defence.
The Prime Minister has also committed to publishing a single new national security strategy, bringing together all reviews into one document and reflecting the decisions on resource set out today. This will be published following the Spring Statement next month and ahead of the NATO Summit in June.
The new commitment on spending comes ahead of Prime Minister’s visit to Washington DC this week, where he will tell President Trump that he wants to see the UK-USA bilateral relationship strengthened and deepened even further, to secure the prosperity and security of both nations for decades to come.
The government has already significantly increased investment in its national security capabilities, increasing spending on defence by nearly £3 billion in this year alone at the Budget. In addition to growing the defence budget, spending on the Single Intelligence Account was increased by around £340 million between 2023-24 and 2025-26, ensuring that our world-leading intelligence agencies maintain their cutting-edge capabilities.
Street Child condemns UK Aid Cuts: “You can’t have global security without global development”
Charity founder Tom Dannatt opposes government decision
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 Tom 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.
