A group of influential Labour MPs is calling on Andy Burnham to restore the party’s long-standing commitment to international development by reinstating the target of allocating 0.7% of the national income to overseas aid. This initiative, highlighted in an upcoming publication from the New Economics Foundation (NEF), signals a push for a renewed focus on the UK’s role as a global leader in development.
A Clear Path Forward
The NEF’s forthcoming collection of essays echoes the sentiments of several backbench MPs who believe that under Burnham’s leadership, Labour can re-establish its credibility on foreign policy. The discussions, which involved prominent figures such as former Foreign Secretary David Miliband and ex-UN Deputy Secretary-General Mark Malloch-Brown, emphasise the need for a strategic approach to aid and development.
Fleur Anderson, a former minister with a background in international development, argues for a 10-year plan to restore the 0.7% target. She asserts that while annual targets are important, the focus should be on creating a sustainable long-term strategy that allows governments and international organisations to plan effectively. “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 stated.
A Shift in Priorities
The 0.7% aid target was enshrined in law during Gordon Brown’s tenure but was scrapped by Rishi Sunak in 2020, ostensibly as a temporary measure due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead of reversing this decision, Keir Starmer’s administration opted to make further cuts to aid in favour of bolstering defence spending, a move that led to the resignation of Development Minister Anneliese Dodds.
Anderson critiques this approach, emphasising that neglecting development commitments is a misguided strategy. “A more unstable world will not become safer because wealthy countries disengage from tackling the conditions that drive instability in the first place,” she warned.
Leveraging Global Leadership
In a related call to action, Liam Byrne, chair of the Commons Business and Trade Committee, advocates for the UK to use its upcoming G20 presidency in 2027 to champion discussions on a global wealth tax. This proposal aligns with the previous leadership roles taken by countries like South Africa and Brazil. Byrne argues that the UK’s respected position could facilitate meaningful dialogue on tax reforms that benefit both rich and poor nations.
Byrne’s plea reflects a broader desire among development advocates for Starmer’s government to articulate an ambitious agenda for the G20. The last Labour government successfully used its G8 presidency to secure commitments for debt relief for the world’s poorest nations, highlighting the potential of UK leadership on global issues.
A Vision for the Future
Gareth Thomas, another former Labour minister, has suggested that the G20 and the UK’s subsequent G7 chairmanship could be pivotal in discussions about the future of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, set to expire in 2030. He emphasises that while these forums may not be sufficient for establishing new global objectives, they present an opportunity to ignite the process of development and resource mobilization.
Thomas proposes that the UK could aim to raise $1 billion for an ambitious multi-year immunisation initiative targeting children in fragile states, drawing on the successful model of Gavi, the vaccine alliance. He believes that demonstrating tangible successes in cooperation could inspire greater public support for multilateralism.
Why it Matters
The renewed focus on aid and development within the Labour Party not only reflects a desire to reclaim a leadership role in global issues but also underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of instability worldwide. As the UK prepares to navigate complex international challenges, the push for a comprehensive approach to overseas aid and global taxation could redefine its foreign policy landscape, aligning it more closely with progressive values and sustainable development goals.
