Labour civil war as MPs demand Rachel Reeves make foreign aid U-turn
Senior Labour MPs are pressuring Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves to reconsider her plans regarding foreign aid, as divisions within the party come to light. The call for a policy U-turn follows an announcement that spending on development assistance is to be reduced.
The proposed shift would see foreign aid decrease from 0.5% of Gross National Income (GNI) to 0.3% by 2027. This decision arises as the party seeks to redirect funds to bolster defence spending. “In this case, that means we will cut our spending on development assistance, moving from 0.5% of GNI today to 0.3% in 2027, fully funding our increased investment in defence,” said Sir Keir.
The controversy over foreign aid comes amid growing concerns among Labour politicians about the party's unity and direction. With a significant focus on national security, the reduction in foreign aid has sparked disputes about the party's priorities, leading to fears that it may alienate core supporters.
As this internal conflict unfolds, additional reactions from various party members and potential implications for Labour’s electoral strategy are likely to emerge. The party must now navigate these challenges while maintaining its broader objectives and responding to the concerns of its constituents.