Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces growing unrest within his party after his decision to slash foreign aid in favour of increased defence spending sparked a backlash from Labour MPs. The decision, which reallocates billions from overseas development to the military, has drawn criticism from backbenchers, who have circulated a letter urging the Prime Minister to reconsider the move and instead impose taxes on the wealthiest Britons.
The letter, expected to be delivered before Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, states: “No Government should balance its books on the back of the world’s most marginalised people. This is a political decision, not an economic necessity – and sources of financing are available which punish neither British voters nor the world’s poor.” The initiative is being led by Alloa & Grangemouth MP Brian Leishman, who argues that cutting foreign aid is not the solution.
