In a crucial call to action, influential Labour backbenchers are pressing Andy Burnham to reinstate the UK’s commitment to spending 0.7% of GDP on international aid. This renewed push comes as part of a comprehensive series of essays by the New Economics Foundation (NEF) that outlines a vision for a Labour-led government to reshape its foreign policy and reclaim the UK’s status as a leader in global development.
A Path Back to 0.7% Aid Target
The NEF publication suggests a 10-year strategy to restore the long-standing aid target, which was originally set under Gordon Brown’s government. Fleur Anderson, a former minister with a background in international development, argues that while the target should be reinstated, it must be adaptable to allow for shifting priorities during crises. “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 0.7% target was sidelined in 2020 by then-Chancellor Rishi Sunak, who described the decision as temporary amidst the pandemic. However, Keir Starmer’s subsequent cuts to aid budgets, redirecting funds towards defence, have drawn sharp criticism, including the resignation of Anneliese Dodds, the development minister.
Reimagining Global Leadership
The NEF’s initiative has garnered support from prominent figures, including David Miliband, a potential future foreign secretary, and Mark Malloch-Brown, a former UN deputy secretary-general. Liam Byrne, chair of the Commons business and trade committee, is advocating for the UK to leverage its role in the G20 in 2027 to push forward discussions on a global wealth tax. He argues that the UK, known for its institutional expertise, should lead efforts to design a tax system that could enhance resource mobilisation in both affluent and developing nations.
“Taking up the cause of an international wealth tax would continue the momentum established by previous G20 chairs, such as South Africa and Brazil,” Byrne stated, highlighting the potential for the UK to take a proactive stance on global economic issues.
Opportunities for Progress
Former Labour minister Gareth Thomas has also suggested utilising the G20 and the following year’s G7 presidency to initiate discussions on what should succeed the UN’s sustainable development goals, set to expire in 2030. According to Thomas, while these forums may not be sufficient for establishing comprehensive global objectives, they represent a unique opportunity to catalyse action.
He posits that this could pave the way for significant resource mobilisation to demonstrate the tangible benefits of multilateral cooperation. Thomas cited the success of Gavi, the vaccine alliance, which has provided vaccinations in conflict zones at a remarkable cost of $1 per dose, as a model for what can be achieved through collaborative efforts.
The Call for Bold Action
NEF chief executive Danny Sriskandarajah emphasised the need for a shift from defensive foreign policy tactics to a bold approach that can position the UK as a global leader on critical issues. “The good news is that 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 said.
As Burnham considers these recommendations, the pressure mounts for a renewed commitment to international development, which could redefine the UK’s role on the world stage.
Why it Matters
The UK’s pledge to spend 0.7% of GDP on aid is not just a matter of fiscal policy; it reflects the nation’s values and priorities in an increasingly interconnected world. Reinstating this commitment would not only support vulnerable populations abroad but also enhance the UK’s credibility and influence in global affairs. As crises proliferate, retreating from development assistance may only exacerbate instability, making the call for renewed leadership in international aid more pressing than ever.
