Blow for Starmer as cabinet minister resigns over cut to overseas aid

ANNELIESE Dodds has resigned following prime minister Keir Starmer’s decision to cut overseas development aid funding to boost defence spending.

Ms Dodds said: “It is with sadness that I have had to tender my resignation as Minister for International Development and for Women and Equalities.

“While I disagree with the ODA decision, I continue to support the government and its determination to deliver the change our country needs.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer responded:

Ms Dodds’ replacement has been announced:

Development Minister to give evidence on UK aid spending

TOMORROW (Tuesday 7 January), the International Development Committee will question Anneliese Dodds, Minister for Development, on her priorities in office.

Upon being appointed, the Minister said she aimed to make the world a safer, more prosperous place and to unlock opportunity for everyone. The FCDO’s development mission would be to “create a world free from poverty on a liveable planet”.

Members are likely to ask the Minister how the Government will meet its ambitions with a reduced foreign aid budget, and whether concrete plans are yet in place to reduce spending foreign aid on refugees within the UK.

Members may also question the Minister on the UK’s humanitarian response to the conflicts in Gaza and Sudan. The UK’s foreign aid spending to support women and girls, and adaption and mitigations for climate change, may also be discussed.

Prior to the Minister’s appearance, MPs will also hear from the FCDO’s two Permanent Under-Secretaries, Sir Philip Barton and Nick Dyer, on the department’s accounts.

At 2.00pm in the Wilson Room, Portcullis House

From 2.00pm

  • Sir Philip Barton KCMG OBE, Board member and Permanent Under-Secretary
  • Nick Dyer, Second Permanent Under-Secretary, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

From 3.15pm

  • Rt Hon Annaliese Dodds MP, Minister of State for Development
  • Melinda Bohannon, Director General, Humanitarian and Development at Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.