World development leaders want the United Kingdom to be “a reliable partner” again rather than reverse spending cuts or restore a separate aid department, the country’s opposition Labour Party says as it eyes election victory.
In her first interview as Labour’s new international development shadow minister, Lisa Nandy refused to commit to returning the U.K. to spending 0.7% of national income on aid within five years, telling Devex: “I can't make that commitment, it just wouldn't be honest.”
Nandy, who was appointed to the role on Sept. 4, also suggested Labour will not bring back a separate aid department if reforms by the current international development minister, Andrew Mitchell, to give development greater autonomy within the merged Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, prove successful.
About the author
Rob Merrick
Rob Merrick is the U.K. Correspondent for Devex, covering FCDO and British aid. He reported on all the key events in British politics of the past 25 years from Westminster, including the financial crash, the Brexit fallout, the "Partygate" scandal, and the departures of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. Rob has worked for The Independent and the Press Association and is a regular commentator on TV and radio. He can be reached at rob.merrick@devex.com.
