Development Minister Anneliese Dodds has resigned from the British government following Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to reduce foreign aid spending from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income starting in 2027.
The announcement comes as a significant blow to Starmer’s administration, which had previously pledged to increase aid spending back to 0.7% of GNI in its manifesto.
Starmer defended the controversial move last week, stating that the cuts were necessary to fund increased defense spending. “A higher defense budget can only be funded through hard choices,” the Prime Minister told Parliament.
In her resignation letter, which was also shared on her X account, Dodds acknowledged the need for difficult decisions regarding national security but criticised the approach taken by the government.
“I stood ready to work with you to deliver that increased spending, knowing some might well have had to come from ODA,” she wrote, referring to Official Development Assistance. “Instead, the tactical decision was taken for ODA to absorb the entire burden.”
Dodds, who had served as Development Minister since July 8, 2024, just days after Labour took power, warned that the cuts would “remove food and healthcare from desperate people” and damage the UK’s global reputation.
She also expressed concern about following in the footsteps of the United States, where President Donald Trump has recently overseen substantial reductions to USAID, including the cancellation of nearly 10,000 awards earlier this week.
The decision comes amid a broader trend of aid reductions across Europe, with France and Germany also implementing similar cuts. It follows several previous reductions in UK aid spending under Conservative leadership dating back to 2021.
The UK NGO community has strongly opposed the cuts, with 138 organizations signing a joint letter suggesting alternative funding sources, including wealth taxes or the £2.5 billion raised from the sale of Chelsea soccer club. “No government should balance its books on the backs of the world’s most marginalized people,” the NGOs stated.
Analysts suggest that growing concerns about European security, particularly in light of President Trump’s recent statements questioning US commitment to NATO allies against potential Russian aggression, have created pressure for increased defense spending throughout Europe.
Dodds also held the position of Minister for Women and Equalities. The government has not yet announced her replacement.
Featured image: Isabel Infantes
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