Anneliese Dodds Resigns Over Keir Starmer’s Aid Budget Cuts

• Feb 28, 2025

Exclusive: International Development Minister Warns That Funding for Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine Will Be ‘Impossible’ to Maintain

Anneliese Dodds has resigned from her role as International Development Minister in protest against Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to drastically reduce the UK’s international aid budget. The move, aimed at financing a significant boost in defence spending, has sparked concerns over its impact on global stability and Britain’s international reputation.

Dodds, a senior Labour MP and a member of the cabinet, cautioned that slashing the aid budget by nearly half would hinder the UK’s ability to sustain humanitarian efforts in regions such as Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine. She also warned that the cuts could bolster Russia’s expanding global influence while giving China greater leverage in shaping international norms.

The cuts will see development spending reduced by approximately £6 billion by 2027. While Dodds acknowledged the necessity of increased defence funding in response to global instability, she expressed concern that Starmer’s ambition to elevate military spending to 3% of GDP could be just the beginning. She urged the government to explore alternative financial strategies, including adjustments to taxation and borrowing rules, rather than relying solely on departmental budget cuts.

The reduction of aid spending from 0.56% to 0.3% of gross national income (GNI) has drawn criticism, even from within the cabinet. Several ministers have raised alarms about unintended consequences, particularly in light of similar cuts proposed by the US under President Donald Trump. Foreign Secretary David Lammy previously warned that scaling back aid could be a strategic error that enables China to expand its global reach.

Dodds revealed that she was only informed of Starmer’s decision on Monday but delayed her resignation to avoid overshadowing the prime minister’s diplomatic visit to Washington, where he sought security assurances for Ukraine.

Starmer defended his decision in the House of Commons, declaring that the UK must make difficult choices to secure peace in Europe. Speaking at a Downing Street press conference, he acknowledged the adverse effects of the aid cuts but insisted they were necessary to prioritize national security.

Aid organizations have reacted with outrage, arguing that the reduction in funding will have devastating consequences for vulnerable communities. Richard Dannatt, former head of the British Army, criticized the decision as a “strategic mistake” that could ultimately weaken Britain rather than strengthen it.

In her resignation letter, Dodds emphasized the urgency of reinforcing national security but insisted that the magnitude of the cuts would undermine the UK’s commitments. She expressed doubt over Starmer’s assurances that aid for Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine would be preserved, citing the already significant portion of the budget allocated to asylum seeker accommodation.

She further warned that withdrawing aid from African, Caribbean, and Western Balkan nations would create a vacuum for Russia to exploit. Additionally, she highlighted the climate crisis as a pressing security threat that would be exacerbated by reduced development assistance.

Dodds stated that she had decided to step down as soon as she learned of the cuts but chose to wait until after Starmer’s Washington visit to ensure a unified cabinet presence.

“The reality is that this decision is already being perceived as Britain following President Trump’s lead in slashing aid,” she wrote. “These cuts will deprive desperate people of food and healthcare, severely damaging the UK’s global standing.”

Her resignation underscores deep divisions within the Labour government as it seeks to balance defence priorities with its longstanding commitment to international development.