Former International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds has spoken out for the first time since resigning from Sir Keir Starmer’s cabinet, citing a deep disagreement over reductions to the international aid budget. In her first interview since stepping down in February, the Labour MP for Oxford East stated that diverting aid funds to support defence spending would have a major impact, especially as other countries are also cutting their contributions.
The controversy follows Starmer’s announcement last month—just before his meeting with US President Joe Biden—that aid spending would be reduced from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income by 2027 to strengthen defence funding. While the decision was well received by the US government, development organisations criticised it as a “betrayal.”
Dodds, the first minister to leave Starmer’s cabinet over policy disagreements, voiced concerns about both the timing and consequences of the cuts. “With other nations also scaling back aid, this move will have a significant impact,” she warned.
In response to her resignation, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rebuilding the country’s development capabilities. Labour’s election manifesto had promised to restore aid spending to 0.7% of gross national income “as soon as fiscal circumstances allow,” a target the government insists remains unchanged.
Dodds’ departure highlights growing internal divisions within Labour over the balance between defence and international aid, as well as the challenge of maintaining fiscal discipline while honouring commitments to global development.
For more political updates, visit London Pulse News.
