28 February 2025 , 16:14
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The International Development Minister, Anneliese Dodds, has resigned due to Keir Starmer’s decision to reduce foreign aid to increase defense spending.
The Prime Minister announced a £13.4 billion increase in defense spending earlier this week, funded by a significant reduction in the foreign aid budget from 0.5% to 0.3% in 2027.
Ms. Dodds posted her resignation letter online, warning that cuts to aid spending will diminish Britain’s global standing and bolster Russia and China’s attempts to reshape the global order.
She wrote: "Ultimately, these cuts will deprive desperate people of food and healthcare - severely damaging the UK’s reputation.
"I know you have been clear that you are not ideologically opposed to international development.
"But the reality is that this decision is already being portrayed as following President Trump’s example of cutting USAID.
"The effect will be far greater than presented, even if assumptions made about reducing asylum costs hold true.
"The cut will also likely lead to a UK withdrawal from numerous African, Caribbean, and Western Balkan nations at a time when Russia has been aggressively increasing its global presence.
"It will likely lead to withdrawal from regional banks and a reduced commitment to the World Bank; the UK being shut out of numerous multilateral bodies; and a reduced voice for the UK in the G7, G20, and in climate negotiations.
John Healey, Anneliese Dodds and David Lammy
"All this while China is seeking to rewrite global rules, and when the climate crisis is the biggest security threat of them all.
"I stood ready to work with you to deliver that increased spending, knowing some might well have had to come from ODA [overseas development assistance].
"I also expected we would collectively discuss our fiscal rules and approach to taxation, as other nations are doing."
Starmer defended the cut in foreign aid, arguing that Britain is entering an unprecedented era as tensions rise across Europe amid growing Russian aggression.
Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday, Sir Keir said it is time to "fight for peace" as he warned of a "dangerous new era".
Asked if Brits should be alarmed about growing tensions, the Prime Minister said: "This is a significant moment, and that is why we’ve got to rise to this generational challenge.
"It is a moment where we have to fight for peace, through the action that we take."
Ms. Dodds has also resigned from her post as the women and equalities minister - but said she will continue to support women and girls from the backbenches.