In a bold call to action, influential Labour backbenchers are urging Andy Burnham to reclaim the party’s legacy on international development. They are advocating for a return to the long-standing commitment of allocating 0.7% of the UK’s GDP to international aid, a target abandoned in 2020. This proposal comes from a new collection of essays by the New Economics Foundation (NEF) that outlines a roadmap for Burnham’s potential government to enhance the UK’s role on the global stage.
A Roadmap for Restoration
The NEF publication lays out a ten-year strategy aimed at reinstating the 0.7% aid commitment, which was a hallmark of Gordon Brown’s government. In her essay, Fleur Anderson, a former minister with extensive experience in international development, emphasises the importance of establishing a sustainable long-term plan that allows governments, NGOs, and local organisations to effectively prepare for the future.
“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 states. The original 0.7% target was set into law under Brown’s leadership, but Rishi Sunak’s government suspended it, citing the pandemic as justification. Instead of reinstating it, Labour leader Keir Starmer opted for further cuts to aid, diverting funds to bolster defence—a move that led to the resignation of development minister Anneliese Dodds.
Global Taxation Talks on the Horizon
As the UK gears up for its chairmanship of the G20 in 2027, Liam Byrne, chair of the Commons business and trade committee, is advocating for the UK to spearhead discussions on a global wealth tax. This would continue the momentum established by previous G20 leaders, such as South Africa and Brazil. Byrne argues that the UK’s reputation for institutional design and coordination positions it well to facilitate meaningful discussions on tax structures that could benefit both affluent and developing nations.
“By taking up this cause, we can help design a tax that actually works, improving domestic resource mobilisation for countries around the world,” he asserts. Development advocates have been pressing Starmer’s government to set forth an ambitious agenda for the G20, reminiscent of the last Labour government’s initiatives that led to significant debt relief for the world’s poorest nations.
Rethinking Global Development Goals
In addition, Gareth Thomas, another former Labour minister, suggests leveraging the G20 and the subsequent G7 presidency to ignite conversations about the future of the UN’s sustainable development goals, set to expire in 2030. He believes that while these forums may not be sufficient for establishing new global goals, they present a unique opportunity to mobilise substantial resources for development initiatives.
“Defending institutions alone won’t inspire confidence in multilateralism,” Thomas argues. “We need to showcase the tangible outcomes of cooperation.” He cites the recent success of Gavi, the global vaccines alliance, as a prime example of how collaborative efforts can lead to significant impacts, particularly in challenging circumstances.
A Call for Action
The NEF’s chief executive, Danny Sriskandarajah, encapsulates the urgency of the moment, noting that much of the UK’s recent foreign policy has been reactive. He believes this is a pivotal opportunity for the UK to demonstrate leadership on progressive issues, including international development and wealth taxation. “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 concludes.
Why it Matters
Reinstating the 0.7% aid target and championing global development initiatives could redefine the UK’s role on the international stage, positioning it as a leader in addressing pressing global challenges. As the world grapples with instability and inequality, the commitment to international aid is not merely a financial obligation; it’s a moral imperative that could inspire other nations to follow suit. In an increasingly interconnected world, the UK has the opportunity to make a lasting impact, demonstrating that support for international development is not just a political choice but a pathway to global stability and prosperity.
