International development minister Anneliese Dodds has resigned from her position following Prime Minister Keir Starmer's decision to slash the foreign aid budget. This significant cut aims to allocate funds to bolster defense spending, marking what Starmer claims as the "biggest sustained increase since the Cold War." Dodds' resignation on February 28, 2025, underlines the growing discontent within the Labour Party and highlights the contentious nature of prioritizing defense over international aid.
Earlier this week, Starmer informed MPs of the plans to decrease the overseas development assistance (ODA) from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income, stirring backlash from various quarters. Dodds, who attended Cabinet meetings, voiced her concerns, stating it would be "impossible" for the Prime Minister to fulfill commitments to aid regions such as Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine with reduced funding. She articulated her fears about the cuts potentially severing the UK’s support for vulnerable populations worldwide.
"It is with sadness I have had to tender my resignation as Minister for International Development and for Women and Equalities," Dodds tweeted. "While I disagree with the ODA decision, I continue to support the government and its determination to deliver the change our country needs." This balancing act showcases her support for some government initiatives, constricted by her ethical stance on global aid.
Dodds wrote to Starmer, expressing her distress over the aid reductions, which she claimed would negatively impact food and healthcare access for vulnerable populations, thereby tarnishing the UK's global reputation. She added, "These cuts are already being portrayed as following in President Trump’s slipstream of cuts to USAID." Dodds emphasized the severe consequences of the cuts, which she believed would likely prompt the UK withdrawal from numerous nations, especially at a time when Russia seeks to expand its global influence.
Expressing regret, Dodds noted, "You have maintained your intent to support Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine; yet, it will be impossible to maintain these priorities with the depth of the cut." She highlighted the risk of diminishing the UK’s commitment to international institutions like the World Bank, undermining Britain's voice on global platforms such as the G7 and G20. Her powerful assertion pointed to the broader implication of the cuts, stating, "All this occurs at time when the climate crisis is the biggest security threat of them all."
The reactions to Dodds' resignation reflect the divisions within both the Labour party and the wider political arena. Labour MPs have expressed their sorrow at her decision, including Rotherham MP Sarah Champion, who described her departure as "a big loss to the sector." Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch expressed solidarity with the Prime Minister, arguing the defense budget should take precedence over international aid, stating, “He’s absolutely right. National interest always com first.”
Starmer faced intense scrutiny over his decision to cut foreign aid from various factions, including his own party members and international development charities. The opposition criticized the move, questioning whether it jeopardizes the UK's role on the global stage. Labour MP Diane Abbott lamented the absence of collective resignations alongside Dodds, describing the situation as "shameful."
Reacting to Dodds’ resignation, Prime Minister Starmer acknowledged the pain of his decision, reiterative of his belief in protecting the nation’s security and expressed his appreciation for Dodds' dedication and work as minister. He indicated the challenge of balancing national defense needs with international obligations would manifest as discussions continue.
Dodds' resignation marks her as the fourth minister to leave Starmer’s government, following significant departures including Louise Haigh and Tulip Siddiq. Observers are already speculating about potential successors for the role of International Development Minister. Candidates include Fleur Anderson, currently the Northern Ireland minister, and Melanie Ward, who has experience as a humanitarian aid worker.
Experts have voiced concerns about the impact of reduced foreign aid funding. Richard Dannatt, former head of the British army, warned the decision could create more extensive challenges than it resolved, stating cutting aid could weaken Britain’s global standing.
The cuts—set to lower the annual aid spending by £6 billion starting in 2027—stirred opposition from advocacy groups and many parliamentarians who pointed out the ethical and strategic flaws of diminishing aid during times of rising humanitarian needs globally.
Save the Children CEO Moazzam Malik condemned the cuts, calling them damaging to the welfare of vulnerable children affected by conflicts and crises around the world. Malik emphasized the significance of maintaining aid budgets, stating, "The UK's future security and prosperity depend on addressing global challenges rather than retreating from them."
Other Labour members, such as Chi Onwurah, also voiced their disappointment at Dodds’ departure and championed her principled stance. The fallout of this resignation reflects the challenges Starmer faces as he navigates his leadership priorities and the diverse perspectives within his party and the opposition. The future direction of UK international aid remains shrouded with uncertainty as the government attempts to justify prioritizing defense spending at the expense of its international commitments.