6 January 2026
The SWIDN Network’s views on the Future of UK Aid
In the autumn, SWIDN gathered input from our members and submitted this to the UK Parliament’s International Development Committee’s inquiry into the Future of UK Aid. We said we would publish our submission when we were able to and, now that it’s available on the IDC website for public view, we can do so here.
We are really grateful for all our members for their input. The questions in the inquiry were big, philosophical, challenging and time-consuming and, after a year in which UK Aid was so devastatingly cut, we know that morale was low to engage. We are delighted to have been able to represent views and experiences of the South West international development community in this inquiry. We are hopeful that this inquiry will challenge assumptions, introduce new framing to the conversation, and amplify minority voices in this space whose perspectives are often overlooked in policy-making.
You can follow the progress of the inquiry here. We will also keep you updated with what we know in our newsletter and in our monthly Working Groups for members. If you are not yet a member but would like to join, you can find out more here.
More News
Spotlight on Dolen Cymru Lesotho: 40 Years of Global Solidarity Between Wales and Lesotho
For more than four decades,SWIDN Member Dolen Cymru Lesotho has been quietly building something powerful: long-term, people-to-people connections between Wales and Lesotho.Founded over 40 years ago and now in its 41st year, the organisation isn’t a “traditional” international development charity. Instead, it focuses on bilateral learning – sharing skills, expertise, and experience between professionals in…
Meet Ruby Chen: Turning Ideas Into Engaging Art
At SWIDN, we are incredibly grateful to the people who share their time and creative skills to support our work. We’d like to take a moment to thank Ruby Chen, who volunteered her illustration skills to support SWIDN. Ruby brought curiosity, creativity and professionalism to her work with us, and we’re thankful for the time…
Powerful photography exhibition spotlighting women land defenders comes to Exeter for International Women’s Day
SWIDN are pleased to share this piece provided by and written by ActionAid A striking photography exhibition organised by ActionAid UK which spotlights women aroundthe world who are defending their land and their communities from destruction is coming toExeter this International Women’s Day. Women By Women: Rooted in Resilience depicts women leaders in Brazil, Cambodia,Nepal…
