Keir Starmer’s support lower will probably be ‘music to the ears of terrorists’ declare as anger grows

On Mar 5, 2025

Keir Starmer has been warned his decision to slash international aid will be “music to the ears” of terrorists.

He was accused by one of his own MPs of setting the UK on a “dangerous course” and taking an axe to the best way of stopping global conflicts in a blistering attack.

Sarah Champion also pointed out the PM himself had said cutting overseas aid was a “false economy” just four years ago. And former Deputy Foreign Secretary Andrew Mitchell said the move would be a “clarion call” to terrorist groups – while also giving China and Russia a gap to expand their influence.

Mr Starmer came under fire for cutting overseas development aid to 0.3% of GNI (gross national income) – down from 0.5%. This will amount to around £6billion less per year.

Ms Champion told the Commons: “By planning to take 40% out of ODA he’s taking an axe to our most effective tool for reducing global conflicts and increasing our own national security.”

Labour MP Sarah Champion said the move puts the UK on a ‘dangerous course’

She pointed to research that found 40million fewer children would get vital immunisations as a result. Ms Champion told silent MPs that 600,000 fewer lives could be saved due to lack of investment in AIDS, TB and malaria programmes – while 300,000 fewer children may get nutritious meals from the World Food Programme.

And she quoted former British Army chief Lord Richard Dannatt, who said: “Every pound we cut from development aid today risks costing us far more in future military operations.”

Ms Champion said: “If we abandon our commitment to the world in this way, we’ll see greater numbers of people displaced from their homes as a result of climate disasters, poverty and war. More people will lose hope and look to extreme ideologies for the ansers.”

Tory Andrew Mitchell – who was Deputy Foreign Secretary in the last Government – said: “Who is it that will fill the gap in this? It will be China and Russia.

“It will be music to the ears of the many terrorist orgainsations in Sub-Saharan Africa.” He accused the Government of picking on “cynical low hanging fruit”.

Mr Starmer announced the cut last week in order to raise defence spending to 2.5% of gross national product by 2027. It led to the resignation of international development minister Anneliese Dodds, who said it would be “impossible” to continue supporting vital programmes.