A group of MPs from different parties has written to Keir Starmer to express their worry about reductions in the UK’s aid budget. This comes as the government prepares for a debate on Wednesday about spending cuts in the Foreign Office. The international development committee, led by Labour MP Sarah Champion, has warned that these cuts could harm the UK’s soft power and worsen conditions for the poor. The committee is concerned because these cuts are intended to fund increased military spending, which they believe is a false economy that undermines national security. They also fear that cutting aid will weaken the UK’s influence and negate progress made in areas like healthcare and education. Last week, Starmer announced plans to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, paid for by reducing the foreign aid budget. This decision led to the resignation of Anneliese Dodds as international development minister. The upcoming debate in parliament will not result in a vote on the aid cuts but will likely feature strong opposition, particularly from Labour MPs. Champion has also asked Starmer several questions about the implementation of these cuts, including details about how they will be carried out and how they will affect different areas of government spending.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/mar/05/cross-party-group-of-mps-express-deep-concern-over-cuts-to-uks-aid-budget