UK development minister quits in protest against international aid cuts

Anneliese Dodds, Labour and Co-operative MP for Oxford East, has tendered her resignation as Minister of State for International Development and for Women and Equalities.

The resignation comes after significant concerns were raised over the government's decision to cut the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) to just 0.3% of Gross National Income (GNI), Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Dodds argues that this move will severely harm the UK’s global standing and its commitment to international development.

In her resignation letter to Prime Minister, Dodds explained that while she shared the government’s goal of supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, the drastic reduction in ODA funding posed an insurmountable challenge. “It will be impossible to maintain these priorities given the depth of the cut,” Dodds stated. She warned that the cut would likely result in the UK withdrawing from key development initiatives in regions such as Africa, the Caribbean, and the Western Balkans, all while Russia’s global influence continues to rise.

Dodds also expressed concerns over the potential loss of the UK’s voice on the international stage, especially within multilateral bodies like the G7, G20, and the World Bank. "These cuts will remove food and healthcare from desperate people, deeply harming the UK's reputation," she added.

The former Minister was particularly vocal about the government’s commitment to climate change, calling the cuts “an unfortunate step backward.” “The climate crisis is the biggest security threat of them all,” she wrote, urging the government to reconsider its fiscal approach in light of growing global threats.

Despite these sharp disagreements, Dodds reiterated her pride in the work she had accomplished with the Prime Minister, particularly regarding the Labour Party’s policy achievements, including the manifesto work and the fight against anti-Semitism. She also expressed regret at no longer being able to continue her work on women's and equalities issues, specifically the groundbreaking legislation designed to support Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities, disabled people.

“I am deeply saddened that I will no longer be able to work with you towards a more equal Britain,” Dodds said, referencing the legislation she had championed during her tenure.

In a final note, Dodds thanked the civil servants she had worked alongside in difficult and dangerous conditions, reinforcing her appreciation for their dedication.

“I will continue to support you, and the change you are determined to deliver – but now I shall do so from the backbenches,” Dodds concluded, signaling her departure from the Cabinet but reaffirming her ongoing commitment to the Labour Party's goals.

By Aghakazim Guliyev