In a significant push for revitalising the United Kingdom’s international development agenda, influential Labour MPs are calling on Andy Burnham to recommit to the long-established target of allocating 0.7% of GDP to overseas aid. This plea comes as part of a forthcoming publication by the New Economics Foundation (NEF) that presents a series of essays advocating for a comprehensive re-evaluation of the UK’s foreign policy.
A New Development Framework
In the NEF’s upcoming collection, MPs including former ministers and policy experts propose a strategic roadmap for a potential Burnham-led government to restore the UK’s standing as a global development leader. The initiative has seen contributions from notable figures such as David Miliband, a former foreign secretary, and Mark Malloch-Brown, who previously served as the UN’s deputy secretary-general.
Fleur Anderson, a former minister with a background in international development, emphasises the importance of setting a clear trajectory for aid spending. She suggests establishing a ten-year plan to progressively return to the 0.7% target, 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 states.
The Historical Context of Aid Spending
The 0.7% aid target was first enshrined in law by then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown but was abandoned in 2020 by Rishi Sunak, who cited the Covid-19 pandemic as a reason for this drastic reduction. In a controversial move, the current Labour leader, Keir Starmer, opted to further decrease aid allocations, redirecting funds towards defence initiatives. This decision led to the resignation of Anneliese Dodds, the then-development minister, highlighting the internal tensions within the party regarding foreign aid priorities.
Anderson argues that while bolstering national defence is crucial, neglecting development commitments is ultimately a flawed 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 asserts.
Leveraging the G20 Presidency for Global Action
As the UK prepares to assume the presidency of the G20 in 2027, Liam Byrne, chair of the Commons business and trade committee, proposes leveraging this opportunity to advocate for a global wealth tax. This initiative aims to build on the momentum generated by previous G20 chairs such as South Africa and Brazil.
Byrne posits that the UK’s respected role in institutional design and coordination could be pivotal in formulating an effective international tax system that aids both wealthy and developing nations. “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,” he explains.
Development advocates have been urging Starmer’s government to outline an ambitious agenda for the G20, reminiscent of the previous Labour government’s successful efforts in securing debt relief for impoverished countries when it chaired the G8.
A Call to Action on Sustainable Development Goals
Gareth Thomas, another former Labour minister, also suggests that the G20 and the subsequent G7 presidency in 2028 should be used to initiate discussions on what will replace the current UN sustainable development goals, which are due to expire in 2030. He stresses the importance of not letting these opportunities slip away and highlights the potential for mobilising significant resources for developmental purposes.
“Defending institutions will not, on its own, inspire citizens to believe in multilateralism. It is better to show than tell what cooperation can achieve by focusing on a discrete and tangible goal,” Thomas argues, pointing to successful initiatives like Gavi, the vaccine alliance that has provided immunisations in conflict-stricken areas.
Why it Matters
The future of the UK’s international development strategy hangs in the balance as Labour MPs rally behind the call for a return to the 0.7% aid spending target. This debate is not merely about numbers; it encapsulates a broader vision of the UK’s role on the global stage as a leader in humanitarian efforts. As the world grapples with instability and inequality, a recommitment to development could signify the UK’s willingness to tackle root causes of conflict and poverty, reinforcing its position as a moral authority in international affairs. The decisions made today will shape not only the future of UK foreign policy but also the lives of millions around the globe.
