International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds has resigned following Keir Starmer’s decision to reduce the UK’s foreign aid budget in order to increase defence spending.
The Prime Minister recently announced a £13.4 billion boost in defence funding, which will be financed by cutting the foreign aid budget from 0.5% to 0.3% in 2027.
Dodds, who shared her resignation letter online, warned that these cuts would harm the UK’s global reputation and strengthen Russia and China’s influence on the international stage.
She expressed concerns that the decision would result in the removal of vital food and healthcare support for vulnerable people, negatively impacting the country’s standing.
She also highlighted fears that the UK’s reduced aid spending would lead to withdrawal from key global initiatives, including regional banks, multilateral organisations, and climate negotiations.
This, she warned, would allow China to gain further control over international policies while the UK loses influence in major economic forums such as the G7 and G20.
Starmer defended the decision, arguing that the UK is facing an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape, particularly as tensions rise in Europe due to Russian aggression.
He insisted that increased defence investment is necessary to secure peace and protect the nation’s interests.
Dodds has also stepped down as Minister for Women and Equalities but confirmed she will continue advocating for women’s rights from the backbenches.
