With 266 million around the world starving, here’s what the UK needs to be doing on conflict

Hunger signals arrive early

Action Against Hunger says it sees hunger worsening as conflict pushes communities in Sudan, Gaza and elsewhere into poverty and displacement. Warning signs include vanishing market food, unaffordable meals, farmers losing access to land and more children arriving at health facilities with acute malnutrition.

Grand argues that famine declarations come only after catastrophe has begun. In 2025, famine was confirmed in parts of Sudan and Gaza, with conflict, displacement and restrictions on humanitarian access among the central causes.

Conflict shapes future poverty

The article says conflict’s global lethality has tripled over the past 20 years. Hospitals, schools and water systems are systematically targeted, while conflict parties often face near impunity from foreign powers.

Aid and investment face limits

Aid budgets have declined among nearly all major donor governments, adding pressure for organisations working in fragile and conflict-affected states. They also face security risks, barriers to humanitarian access and shortages of basic infrastructure.

Investment can be risky where governance is weak, security threats are high, sanctions apply and markets have collapsed. Grand warns that relying on investment-led growth may leave behind people with the greatest needs, and says walking away is not an option.

Diplomacy before catastrophe

Grand calls for diplomacy centred on values and human security, with human dignity, international law and civilian protection guiding UK engagement. He argues that these principles must shape government action before people face starvation, rather than being voiced only afterward.