As part of a forthcoming collection of essays by the New Economics Foundation (NEF), backbenchers are urging Andy Burnham to prioritize international development. They argue that a Burnham-led government must seize the initiative to restore the UK’s standing as a global leader in this sector.
A Return to Global Leadership
The MPs specifically advocate for a return to the 0.7% spending target, a benchmark originally established during the era of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The essays suggest that reclaiming this policy would serve as a critical component of a broader strategy to rethink the nation’s foreign policy approach.
The intervention highlights a desire within the party to define a clear path on international aid. By backing these specific targets, the MPs aim to set a distinct agenda for Labour that emphasizes the UK’s historical role in supporting development abroad.
Source: The Guardian