In the wake of the Israel–Gaza conflict, a pivotal policy reversal by Foreign Secretary David Lammy has reshaped the UK's 2025 Gaza aid strategy. Announced on 29 October 2025, the move allows Palestinian students from Gaza on fully funded scholarships to bring their dependants to the UK—marking a breakthrough after sustained pleas from Chevening scholars and humanitarian advocates.
As British public opinion remains divided over Gaza aid and immigration, the shift underscores a nation balancing humanitarian duty with domestic unease.
The Policy Shift and Its Immediate Impact
The UK government confirmed on 29 October 2025 that partners and children of Gazan students on fully-funded scholarships can now join them, reversing an earlier stance that barred dependants. This change in policy, hinted at by Foreign Secretary David Lammy on 21 September 2025, addresses outcry from charities attacking the family separation ban.
Applications proceed case-by-case, requiring proof of funds: £6,120 ($8,175) for studies outside London or £7,605 ($10,159) in the capital. A spokesperson stated, 'Students coming from Gaza to the UK have suffered an appalling ordeal after two years of conflict,' emphasising rebuilding via world-class education. At least 75 Gazan students have arrived since evacuations began last month, including 17 on 28 October 2025, though six Glasgow master's candidates missed deadlines, leaving them in limbo.
Dr Nora Parr, a Birmingham researcher coordinating support, welcomed the change but felt 'devastated' for those losing 'hard-earned places'. The National noted the UK has 'bowed to pressure' in this policy pivot.
Possible Effects on Students and Families
This adjustment promises relief for families torn by war, enabling PhD candidate Manar al-Houbi, who deemed leaving her three children and husband 'impossible', to evacuate 'very soon'. Yet, implementation hurdles persist. Dependants must navigate stringent visa rules amid Gaza's chaos, where over 65,000 have died since 7 October 2023.
A fragile US-brokered ceasefire signed earlier in October 2025 faltered, with 104 Palestinians killed in strikes on 29 October 2025, complicating exits. For UK universities hosting Palestine scholars, the influx could strain resources but enrich diversity, as Research Professional News urged better planning to avoid asylum pitfalls. MPs highlighted on 13 October 2025 the plight of scholars barred from family accompaniment, potentially boosting long-term integration if support expands.
Economically, the £101 million ($135 million) UK aid allocation for 2025/26 to West Bank and Gaza, including £34 million ($45 million) for UNRWA, underscores humanitarian investment, though family visas may add administrative costs. Overall, while fostering education, the policy risks delays for vulnerable groups, demanding swift coordination to realise its promise.
What Brits Really Feel About Gaza Aid and Immigration
An Ipsos poll on 15 September 2025 found 44 per cent support UK recognition of a Palestinian state, viewing it as a peace step, while 41 per cent see little impact. A YouGov survey in July 2025 showed half deem Israel's Gaza actions unjustified, with sympathy for Palestinians surging amid genocide perceptions.
The Council for Arab-British Understanding reported 73 per cent oppose displacing Gazans, aligning with aid advocacy. Yet, immigration scepticism lingers. A Times poll in July 2025 described the world as 'chaotic' and 'dangerous', fuelling concerns over Palestinian immigration. A Guardian analysis on 3 June 2025 noted Israel's support at historic lows in Europe, including Britain.
On X, reactions are mixed: while some hail the dependant allowance as compassionate, others warn that it could open floodgates.
The UK Government has bowed to pressure and changed its policy to allow Gazan students to bring dependants with them to the UK https://t.co/NYrTCXbJ2k
— The National (@ScotNational) October 27, 2025
This divide tests the government's balancing act between empathy and border controls in the context of the UK's Gaza aid efforts in 2025.
