A coalition of Labour backbenchers is calling on Andy Burnham to revitalise the party’s stance on international development and restore the UK’s long-standing target of allocating 0.7% of GDP to overseas aid. This initiative is highlighted in a forthcoming collection of essays by the New Economics Foundation (NEF), which outlines a strategic roadmap for a Burnham-led government to re-establish the UK as a global leader in aid and development.
A Vision for a Renewed Foreign Policy
The NEF publication is the product of discussions among MPs and policy specialists, including notable figures like David Miliband, who has been mentioned as a potential foreign secretary in a future Labour administration, and Mark Malloch-Brown, a former deputy secretary-general of the United Nations. In these essays, Fleur Anderson, a former minister with extensive experience in international development, urges Burnham to commit to a phased return to the 0.7% aid target.
Anderson advocates for a ten-year plan to restore this commitment, allowing for flexibility during times of crisis. “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, highlighting the need for a sustainable approach to aid.
The Shift in Aid Spending
The 0.7% target was enshrined in law during Gordon Brown’s premiership but was abandoned in 2020 by then-Chancellor Rishi Sunak, ostensibly as a temporary measure in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The current Labour leader, Keir Starmer, opted to further cut aid spending, reallocating funds to bolster defence budgets, a move that resulted in the resignation of Anneliese Dodds, the development minister at the time.
Anderson argues against the notion that reducing development commitments is a prudent economic 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 states, emphasising the interconnectedness of global security and humanitarian assistance.
Harnessing Global Platforms for Change
In addition to restoring aid funding, Liam Byrne, chair of the Commons business and trade committee, has proposed leveraging the UK’s upcoming chairmanship of the G20 in 2027 to advocate for a global wealth tax. Byrne contends that the UK, recognised for its institutional expertise and coordination capabilities, should champion discussions on a tax that enhances resource mobilisation in both affluent and developing nations.
The G20, which includes major economies such as Brazil, South Africa, and China, has gained significance as a platform for addressing global financial stability and economic issues. Development advocates have encouraged Starmer’s government to outline an ambitious agenda in preparation for its G20 chairmanship, reminiscent of the previous Labour government’s successful efforts in securing debt relief for impoverished nations during its G8 presidency.
A Call for Visionary Leadership in Development
Another former Labour minister, Gareth Thomas, has echoed the sentiment of utilizing the G20, alongside the UK’s subsequent G7 presidency, to ignite discussions surrounding the post-2030 agenda for sustainable development. He posits that while these forums may not be adequate for establishing global goals directly, they offer a crucial opportunity to initiate meaningful dialogue.
Thomas also suggests that the UK could mobilise considerable resources for development initiatives, illustrating the tangible benefits of international cooperation. He cites the success of Gavi, the public-private partnership for vaccines, which has managed to immunise children in conflict-ridden regions at just $1 per dose. He proposes that the UK’s G20 presidency could aim to generate $1 billion for a multi-year campaign to vaccinate a billion children in fragile states—a project that aligns with both national interests and Labour values.
Danny Sriskandarajah, NEF’s chief executive, notes the pressing need for the UK to adopt a proactive foreign policy stance, moving beyond defensive measures to assert global leadership on progressive issues. “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 push for a renewed commitment to international aid reflects a broader recognition of the UK’s role on the global stage. As the world grapples with complex challenges such as climate change, geopolitical instability, and humanitarian crises, a robust aid strategy is essential. By recommitting to the 0.7% target and leveraging its positions within international forums, the UK can not only enhance its moral standing but also contribute to a more stable and equitable global landscape. The decisions made today will shape not only the future of international development but also the UK’s influence in global affairs for years to come.
