In a pivotal call for a return to ambitious international development goals, Labour backbenchers are urging Andy Burnham to reinstate the UK’s commitment to spending 0.7% of GDP on foreign aid. This initiative, as outlined in a forthcoming publication by the New Economics Foundation (NEF), aims to reshape the UK’s role on the global stage, particularly in light of recent cuts to aid spending under the current leadership.
A Decade of Commitment
The NEF’s new collection of essays, which will soon be released, highlights the urgent need for the Labour Party to reclaim its leadership in international development. The publication features contributions from influential figures, including David Miliband, who has been mentioned as a potential foreign secretary in a Burnham administration, and Mark Malloch-Brown, a former UN deputy secretary general.
Fleur Anderson, a former minister with a background in international development, emphasises the importance of establishing a long-term plan for aid spending. She advocates for a gradual ten-year strategy to restore the 0.7% target. “What matters is not mechanical annual targets, but establishing a credible long-term trajectory that partner governments, multilateral institutions, NGOs, and local organisations can plan around,” she asserts. This perspective underscores the need for a stable and predictable aid framework, especially as global crises continue to mount.
The Repercussions of Recent Cuts
The 0.7% target, first legislated under Gordon Brown, was abandoned by Rishi Sunak in 2020, ostensibly as a temporary measure to address the financial strains imposed by the Covid pandemic. The current Labour leader, Keir Starmer, opted to further cut aid spending, reallocating funds towards defence, a move that led to the resignation of development minister Anneliese Dodds.
Anderson critiques this approach, arguing that “retreating from development commitments is ultimately a false economy,” suggesting that disengaging from global development efforts may exacerbate instability rather than mitigate it. She posits that a more unstable world will not be made safer by wealthy nations withdrawing from their responsibilities to address the root causes of conflict and poverty.
Opportunities for Global Leadership
As the UK prepares to chair the G20 in 2027, Liam Byrne, chair of the Commons business and trade committee, urges the government to champion discussions on a global wealth tax. Byrne highlights the UK’s respected role in institutional design and coordination, noting that this could provide momentum to create a tax system that addresses resource mobilisation for both affluent and developing nations.
The G20, which includes key players such as Brazil, South Africa, and China, has surfaced as a vital platform for addressing global financial stability and development issues. In previous administrations, the UK leveraged its G8 chairmanship to secure significant debt relief for the world’s poorest countries. The upcoming G20 presidency presents a similar opportunity to lead international discourse on wealth redistribution.
Gareth Thomas, another former Labour minister, suggests that the UK’s leadership in both the G20 and G7 should kickstart discussions on the future of global development goals, particularly as the current Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) approach their 2030 deadline. “While the G20 and G7 are insufficient forums for establishing these global goals themselves, the UK’s presidencies are an opportunity that should not be missed to ignite the process,” he states.
A Vision for Future Initiatives
Thomas proposes a bold initiative to mobilise resources aimed at immunising a billion children in fragile states, building on the success of Gavi, the public-private vaccine alliance. He advocates for a target of $1 billion towards this effort, which he argues would align with both Britain’s strategic interests and the core values of the Labour Party.
Danny Sriskandarajah, chief executive of the NEF, reiterates the potential for the UK to regain its footing as a global leader in development. He notes that many recent foreign policies have been reactive, aimed at merely preventing deterioration rather than fostering progress. “The good news is that there are plenty of concrete and workable proposals for what the UK can do on development, wealth taxes, and shaping the next generation of multilateral institutions,” he asserts.
Why it Matters
The call for a renewed commitment to international aid and development is more than just a political manoeuvre; it represents a critical juncture for the UK’s role in global affairs. As the world grapples with escalating crises, a robust and principled approach to foreign aid could not only enhance the UK’s standing but also contribute to a more stable and equitable global landscape. By embracing a long-term vision for aid spending and international cooperation, the Labour Party could redefine its legacy and champion a future of sustainable development.
