Keir Starmer faces rising criticism over international aid cuts as the government prepares to announce reductions.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office will reveal plans to lower overseas development aid allocations. This confirms a policy announced over a year ago.
Starmer pledged to reduce aid spending from 0.5 per cent of GDP to 0.3 per cent by 2027. The budget dropped to 0.48 per cent in 2025/26. It will fall to 0.37 per cent in 2026/27 and reach 0.3 per cent in 2027/28.
However, former international development minister Gareth Thomas warned the reductions could let rival powers, such as China, expand influence. He added that cuts may harm children’s health and education in Commonwealth countries.
Furthermore, Thomas argued that soft power, not just military strength, supports Britain’s security. He stressed that reducing aid could weaken the UK’s global influence.
Labour backbenchers have expressed unease about the cuts. Guaranteed funding will remain only for Ukraine, Gaza, the UK’s Overseas Territories, and Sudan. Some protections for women and girls will also continue.
Meanwhile, Sarah Champion, chair of the overseas development committee, warned about reputational damage. She said stepping back from commitments weakens Britain’s standing in the world.
In addition, Dr Beccy Cooper, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Global Health Security, stated that cuts could allow diseases to spread faster abroad. Consequently, this threatens public health in the UK.
The aid reductions have intensified Labour divisions. Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner criticized proposed immigration policies as “un-British.” Labour’s poor performance in the Gorton and Denton by-election has fueled leadership debates.
Under Tony Blair, the UK committed to spending 0.7 per cent of GDP on international aid. David Cameron’s government maintained this target. However, it fell to 0.5 per cent under Rishi Sunak after the Covid-19 pandemic. Starmer’s planned cuts represent the first major reduction since then.
Senior Tories, including former minister Andrew Mitchell, criticized the move. Meanwhile, Labour figures such as Liam Byrne and Sarah Champion called for a roadmap to restore funding to 0.7 per cent. They argue international aid cuts risk undermining Britain’s influence and global responsibilities.
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