By admin 
Anneliese Dodds, the UK’s international development minister, has resigned in protest against Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to significantly cut the international aid budget. The move, intended to fund a sharp increase in defence spending, has raised concerns about the UK’s global influence and security strategy.
A Blow to Starmer’s Leadership
Dodds, a senior Labour MP who attended cabinet meetings, warned that reducing aid spending could empower Russia and China, both of which are expanding their influence globally. Her resignation came just hours after Starmer returned from Washington, where he held crucial talks with Donald Trump on Ukraine.
In her resignation letter, Dodds supported the decision to bolster defence spending, acknowledging that the postwar global order had “come crashing down” following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, she argued that alternative funding sources, such as revisiting borrowing rules and taxation, should have been explored instead of slashing aid.
Concerns Over National Security and Global Influence
The cuts, which will reduce the UK’s aid budget by £6bn by 2027, have sparked criticism from within Starmer’s government. Several cabinet ministers have voiced concerns that reducing aid from 0.56% of gross national income to 0.3% could have unintended consequences, particularly as China and Russia expand their global presence.
Dodds specifically warned that the decision could lead to the UK withdrawing aid from regions such as Africa, the Caribbean, and the Western Balkans—areas where Moscow has been increasing its influence.
“Ultimately, these cuts will remove food and healthcare from desperate people, deeply harming the UK’s reputation,” she stated.
Starmer Defends His Decision
In response to Dodds’ resignation, Starmer acknowledged that cutting aid was a “difficult and painful decision” but defended the move as necessary for national security.
“The UK will still be providing significant humanitarian and development support,” he wrote, pledging to protect funding for Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine.
However, Dodds remained sceptical, arguing that maintaining aid in these regions would be “impossible given the depth of the cut.”
Fallout and Political Backlash
Dodds’ resignation has drawn mixed reactions. Labour MP Sarah Champion praised her decision, calling it “honourable” and warning that the cuts are “unworkable.” Meanwhile, Andrew Mitchell, a former Conservative aid secretary, accused Labour of “balancing the books on the backs of the poorest people in the world.”
The controversy highlights the difficult balancing act facing Starmer’s government as it prioritizes defence spending while navigating international responsibilities. As geopolitical tensions rise, the decision to scale back aid may have long-term consequences for the UK’s influence on the world stage.