International Development Minister Anneliese Dodds has resigned in protest over Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to slash the UK’s foreign aid budget. The move, which she warns will strengthen Russia’s global influence, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape.
Dodds, who attended cabinet meetings, strongly opposed the drastic cuts, which the prime minister insists will be redirected towards bolstering the UK’s defense budget and countering threats from leaders like Vladimir Putin.
Her resignation delivers a significant political setback for Starmer, who had just returned from a crucial meeting with Donald Trump and is set to participate in an EU leaders summit on Ukraine this weekend.
Her departure marks the fourth resignation of a cabinet-level minister since Starmer assumed office last summer, raising questions about internal discontent within the government.
In her resignation letter, Dodds expressed deep concerns about the consequences of the budget cuts, stating that Starmer’s ability to uphold his commitments would now be “impossible.”
“You have maintained that you want to continue support for Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine; for vaccination; for climate; and for rules-based systems. Yet it will be impossible to maintain these priorities given the depth of the cut. The effect will be far greater than presented, even if assumptions made about reducing asylum costs hold true.”
Anneliese Dodds
She warned that the cuts would likely force the UK to withdraw support from several African, Caribbean, and Western Balkan nations at a time when Russia is expanding its global presence. Additionally, she pointed to China’s efforts to rewrite international rules and the growing urgency of the climate crisis as further reasons why reducing aid is a strategic misstep.
Dodds emphasized that these cuts would tarnish Britain’s reputation, stating: “Ultimately, these cuts will remove food and healthcare from desperate people—deeply harming the UK’s reputation.”
Dodds acknowledged the challenges in increasing defense spending but disagreed with cutting overseas development aid to 0.3% of GNI (gross national income) to achieve it.
“I stood ready to work with you to deliver that increased spending, knowing some might well have had to come from overseas development assistance [ODA]. I also expected we would collectively discuss our fiscal rules and approach to taxation, as other nations are doing.”
Anneliese Dodds
She further argued that even increasing defense spending to 3% of GDP might not be enough, cautioning that such “unprecedented times” demand strategic financial decisions beyond mere spending cuts.
Dodds also revealed she was only informed of the decision on Monday but delayed her resignation to avoid overshadowing Starmer’s diplomatic efforts in Washington, where he sought security guarantees for Ukraine from President Trump.
Widespread Criticism and Calls for Reversal
Former Deputy Foreign Secretary Andrew Mitchell echoed Dodds’ concerns, warning that both Russia and China stand to benefit from the UK’s retreat from international aid commitments.
“Anneliese has done the right thing: Labour’s disgraceful and cynical actions demean the Labour Party’s reputation as they balance the books on the backs of the poorest people in the world. Shame on them and kudos to a politician of decency and principle.”
Andrew Mitchell
Veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott also supported Dodds’ decision, calling it “shameful” that other cabinet members had not taken the same stand.
The international development sector has also strongly condemned the cuts. Save the Children UK chief executive Moazzam Malik described Dodds as a “highly principled and highly effective minister with a deep commitment to the world’s most vulnerable children and people.” He called for an immediate reversal of the decision, arguing that “the UK’s future security and prosperity depend on tackling global challenges and building reliable partnerships.”
“This resignation highlights the wide coalition against the government’s decision to cut international aid to the lowest levels on record, at a time when conflict, humanitarian emergencies, climate change, and deep-seated poverty are devastating children’s lives.”
Moazzam Malik
Despite mounting criticism, No 10 has refused to disclose details of private discussions between Dodds and the prime minister.
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