In a bold move to reshape the UK’s foreign aid policy, Labour backbenchers are calling on Andy Burnham to restore the long-standing commitment of spending 0.7% of GDP on international development. This push comes as part of a new series of proposals published by the New Economics Foundation (NEF), which underscores the need for the UK to reclaim its position as a global leader in aid and development.
A 10-Year Roadmap to Restore Aid Spending
The NEF’s forthcoming pamphlet features a collection of essays from influential MPs and policy experts, including former Labour foreign secretary David Miliband and Mark Malloch-Brown, a former deputy secretary-general of the UN. Their collective message is clear: a Burnham-led government should prioritise the return to the 0.7% aid target, initially set under Gordon Brown but scrapped by Rishi Sunak during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fleur Anderson, a former minister with a background in international development, argues for a structured 10-year plan to reinstate this 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. The call to action aims to provide a stable framework for future governments, allowing for flexibility during crises.
Criticism of Current Policies
The abandonment of the 0.7% target has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from within the Labour Party itself. Under Keir Starmer’s leadership, further cuts to aid spending were made, diverting funds towards defence—decisions that have sparked controversy and resulted in the resignation of development minister Anneliese Dodds. Anderson cautions that neglecting development commitments is a short-sighted 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 argues.
A Call for Global Leadership
As the UK prepares to assume the G20 presidency in 2027, Liam Byrne, chair of the Commons business and trade committee, is advocating for a global wealth tax discussion. He believes that the UK can leverage its respected position to advance international financial reform, similar to efforts made by previous G20 chairs. “The UK could take this momentum and help solve the problem of designing a tax that actually works, and which helps transform domestic resource mobilisation in countries both rich and poor,” Byrne writes.
Moreover, former minister Gareth Thomas has suggested using the G20 and the subsequent G7 presidency to initiate discussions on replacing the UN’s sustainable development goals, which are set to expire in 2030. He emphasises the importance of showing tangible results in global cooperation, referencing the success of Gavi, the vaccine alliance, which has been instrumental in immunising children in conflict zones.
Why it Matters
The push to restore the 0.7% aid target reflects a critical juncture for the UK’s foreign policy. As the world grapples with increasing instability, the need for a robust international development strategy has never been clearer. Recommitting to aid not only enhances the UK’s global standing but also addresses the root causes of conflicts and humanitarian crises. By embracing this agenda, Labour has the opportunity to reignite public trust in multilateralism and showcase the real-world impact of international cooperation.