Labour MPs call for Andy Burnham to restore aid spending target set by Brown
Summary
Labour MPs are urging Andy Burnham to lead on international aid by restoring the goal of spending 0.7% of the UK’s national income on overseas aid, a target set by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown but abandoned in 2020. They also want the UK, under future leadership roles in global groups like the G20 and G7, to promote international cooperation on issues such as wealth taxes and sustainable development goals.Key Facts
- Labour MPs want Andy Burnham to bring back the commitment to spend 0.7% of UK income on aid over a 10-year plan.
- The 0.7% aid target was chosen during Gordon Brown’s time as prime minister but was dropped in 2020 by Rishi Sunak during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Instead of restoring the aid budget, current Labour leader Keir Starmer cut aid spending to fund defense, causing the development minister to resign.
- Fleur Anderson, a former development minister, says long-term planning for aid spending is more important than annual targets.
- Liam Byrne, a Labour MP, wants the UK to push for a global wealth tax during its 2027 G20 leadership.
- The G20 is a group of major economies that discusses global financial and political issues, including countries like Brazil, South Africa, and China.
- Gareth Thomas, another Labour MP, suggests the UK should use its G20 and G7 leadership to start talks on new international development goals after 2030.
- Past UK leadership in global groups helped secure debt relief for poor countries and could now focus on promoting cooperation and sustainable development.
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