A coalition of influential Labour MPs is calling on Andy Burnham to lead the charge in reinstating the UK’s commitment to spend 0.7% of GDP on international aid. This push comes as the New Economics Foundation (NEF) prepares to release a collection of essays advocating for a renewed foreign policy that prioritises development and humanitarian support.
A Path Back to 0.7%
In a robust plea for change, former minister Fleur Anderson argues that Burnham should commit to a strategic ten-year plan aimed at restoring the 0.7% target for aid spending. “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,” Anderson stated.
The 0.7% target was originally established under Gordon Brown’s leadership but was scrapped by Rishi Sunak in 2020 as a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, Labour leader Keir Starmer has opted to make further cuts to aid spending, redirecting funds towards defence, which led to the resignation of development minister Anneliese Dodds.
Calls for Global Leadership
The NEF’s publication features contributions from prominent figures, including David Miliband, who is being discussed as a potential foreign secretary under Burnham’s leadership. Liam Byrne, chair of the Commons business and trade committee, urges the UK to leverage its upcoming presidency of the G20 in 2027 to advocate for a global wealth tax. “The UK – respected for institutional design and coordination – could take this momentum and help solve the problem of designing a tax that actually works,” Byrne said.
This call for action echoes a broader sentiment among development campaigners who have been urging the Labour government to establish a bold agenda for the G20. Historical precedents set by previous Labour administrations, particularly during Tony Blair and Gordon Brown’s tenure, highlight the UK’s potential to lead discussions on global debt relief and development strategies.
Revamping International Development Goals
Another former Labour minister, Gareth Thomas, has emphasised the importance of the G20 and the UK’s subsequent role as chair of the G7 in shaping what comes next after the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals expire in 2030. He suggests that these platforms should be used to mobilise resources for development, showcasing the tangible benefits of international cooperation.
“Defending institutions will not, on its own, inspire citizens to believe in multilateralism,” Thomas remarked. “It is better to show than tell what cooperation can achieve by focusing on a discrete and tangible goal.” He pointed to the recent success of Gavi, the global vaccine alliance, as a model for effective international collaboration.
A New Era of UK Foreign Policy?
NEF chief executive Danny Sriskandarajah stated that recent foreign policy has been largely reactionary, focusing on mitigating crises rather than leading on progressive initiatives. “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 noted.
With voices from within the Labour Party advocating for a return to ambitious international commitments, the potential for a transformative shift in UK foreign policy is on the horizon.
Why it Matters
The revival of the 0.7% aid spending target and a proactive stance on international development could significantly enhance the UK’s standing on the global stage. It presents an opportunity for the new leadership to redefine Britain’s role in addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. As the world grapples with escalating crises, a commitment to international aid is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic necessity for fostering stability and goodwill.
