Richard Watts
Senior Policy and Advocacy Advisor: Development Financing, Health Policy and Equity Group, Global Health Team
13 Apr 2026
GlobalWhat kind of friend does the UK want to be to the World?
The UK’s new development approach is full of contradictions; cutting aid while claiming global leadership, protecting its own interests over the poorest countries, and avoiding key issues like fair trade and tax reform. With reduced crisis funding and limited follow‑through on promises, the UK risks appearing unreliable, prompting calls for it to listen more, act coherently across Government, deliver tangible results, and build flexibility into its aid plans.
08 Oct 2025
GlobalFrom "more with less" to "more with more"
On the eve of the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund, Save the Children’s Senior Development Finance Advisor, Richard Watts, explains how the current push from key donor governments for multilateral institutions, like the World Bank, to “do more with less” puts millions of children’s lives at risk, and urges a shift to a “do more with more” approach through innovation and inclusivity.
13 Jul 2022
GlobalG20 need to stop kicking the can down the road
Critical actions G20 Finance Ministers need to announce at this weeks meeting to support global security, prosperity and increased investment in children.
23 Oct 2024
GlobalIt’s time to rip up the current fiscal rules for UK aid
Reshaping the UK's ODA for better spending.
30 Nov 2023
GlobalThe £1.6 billion cut to the UK’s International Climate Finance
Exposing the effective £1.6 billion cut to the UK’s international climate finance commitment following accounting changes.