New Poll Reveals Young Britons’ Displeasure with UK Government’s Prioritization of Women and Girls in International Development Agenda
London, UK – In light of the UK Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review, a recent poll conducted by More in Common and commissioned by Restless Development has revealed a strong backlash among young Britons against the deprioritization of women and girls in the country’s international development agenda.
The survey, which included a representative sample of 1,105 young people aged 18-25, was carried out as part of the Walking the Talk UK campaign. Its key findings include:
– 62% of young women believe that the Prime Minister is not doing enough to advocate for gender equality on the global stage.
– 63% of all young people believe that supporting women and girls should be a top priority for the UK’s aid budget.
– Only 23% of respondents support the Government’s recent cuts to international aid.
– When asked about their top spending priorities, young women identified maternal health, reproductive rights, and ending gender-based violence as crucial areas for investment.
Alex Kent, Co-CEO of Restless Development, expressed concern over the UK Government’s stance, stating, “The spending review is a direct challenge to the values of young people. The chancellor has not only sidelined international development, but has also ignored those most affected by cuts to aid, women and girls.”
The Chancellor’s failure to mention international development or gender equality in her Comprehensive Spending Review speech has sparked criticism that the government’s priorities are not in line with those of young voters. Emily McChrystal, Project Officer at Walking the Talk UK, noted, “The only time overseas aid budgets were mentioned in the Chancellor’s speech was to reference the cuts that continue to happen to aid to support other priorities. This polling shows that young people do not buy into these other priorities.”
In a time of global crises and persistent gender inequality, the poll highlights that young people are closely following government actions and expect more from their leaders. It reflects a generation that is passionate about global issues and rejects aid cuts, calling for a UK foreign policy rooted in gender equality, peace, and climate action.
For more information on the poll, please visit https://pressat.co.uk/.
