Former minister Anneliese Dodds stated that her resignation was primarily due to a "core" difference with Sir Keir Starmer regarding cuts to international aid.
She spoke with INSPIRATIONS DIGITAL Radio Oxford during her first interview since. stepping down as International Development Minister in February .
The Labour representative for Oxford East stated that reducing the international aid budget to finance defense would significantly affect matters during a period when various nations were also decreasing their expenditures in this area.
In response to her resignation, the Prime Minister stated that the government will make every effort to "rebuild capabilities in development."
Before meeting with the US president last month, Sir Keir declared that aid funding would be cut from 0.5% of the gross national income to 0.3% starting in 2027. finance a rise in defense expenditure.
This action was greeted with approval by the US administration but deemed a "betrayal" by development organizations.
In their election manifesto, Labour promised to reinstate development spending to 0.7% of gross national income “once financial conditions permit” — an objective which the administration claims remains its commitment.
'Big questions'
Dodds told Sophie Law featured on INSPIRATIONS DIGITALRadio Oxford Alternative methods for financing defense expenditures should have been explored.
She stated: "I strongly opposed the choice to finance the required rise in defense expenditure entirely through the international development budget."
I believe it would have been better to explore alternative funding sources and seriously address some of the major issues currently confronting the nation.
The MP stated that stepping down from her position as a minister would allow her to concentrate on community matters like obtaining a new arena for Oxford United and advocating for additional housing developments in the region.
She stated, 'I have to discover an alternative method to attempt and make an impact.'
Absolutely, I am confident I can accomplish that even from the backbenches.
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- Starmer reduces aid funding to boost defense budget
- Minister Anneliese Dodds resigns due to budget reductions for assistance programs
- Dodds' departure highlights discomfort with Starmer's stringent choices
- FCDO - Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
- Ministry of Defence
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