Anneliese Dodds has stepped down as international development minister in response to Keir Starmer&rsquo;s decision to drastically cut the UK&rsquo;s overseas aid budget. The move, which aims to redirect funds towards a significant increase in defence spending, has sparked widespread criticism.
In her resignation letter, Dodds said, "Undoubtedly the postwar global order has come crashing down. I believe that we must increase spending on defence as a result; and know that there are no easy paths to doing so."
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"I stood ready to work with you to deliver that increased spending, knowing some might well have had to come from overseas development assistance [ODA]. I also expected we would collectively discuss our fiscal rules and approach to taxation, as other nations are doing," she wrote.
Dodds also questioned the feasibility of maintaining the government&rsquo;s promised aid priorities, which include support for Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, vaccination efforts, climate initiatives, and rules-based international systems.
"Yet it will be impossible to maintain these priorities given the depth of the cut; the effect will be far greater than presented, even if assumptions made about reducing asylum costs hold true," she warned.
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<h2>UK aid spending to hit historic low</h2>
The cuts will see UK aid spending fall to its lowest proportion of national income since records began. Starmer&rsquo;s plan will reduce the budget from 0.5% of gross national income (GNI) to 0.3% by 2027, marking a sharp departure from Labour&rsquo;s traditional commitment to international development.
In 2023, nearly &pound;4.3bn&mdash;around 28% of the aid budget&mdash;was used by the Home Office to cover asylum seeker housing costs in the UK. Even if these expenses are halved by 2027, Andrew Mitchell estimates that overseas aid spending would still drop to just 0.23% of national income, the lowest level since records began in 1960.
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The previous lowest share of national income allocated to foreign aid was 0.24% in 1999.
<h2>Widespread backlash from aid organisations</h2>
The decision has provoked strong opposition from the charity sector, with 138 organisations writing to Starmer to voice their alarm.
In their letter, the NGOs condemned the cuts as the largest reduction of UK aid in history and accused Starmer of following the US&rsquo;s approach of diverting development funds to defence.
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"We implore you to reverse this decision before significant damage is done to both the UK&rsquo;s development and humanitarian work and its global reputation," the letter, organised by Bond, a network of UK aid groups, stated.
The cuts are expected to impact a range of critical programmes, including climate change initiatives, humanitarian relief efforts in Yemen, and funding for Gavi, the global vaccination alliance backed by Bill Gates.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Dodds also questioned the feasibility of maintaining the government’s promised aid priorities, which include support for Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, vaccination efforts, climate initiatives, and rules-based international systems.

Anneliese Dodds has stepped down as international development minister in response to Keir Starmer’s decision to drastically cut the UK’s overseas aid budget. The move, which aims to redirect funds towards a significant increase in defence spending, has sparked widespread criticism. In her resignation letter, Dodds said, "Undoubtedly the postwar global order has come crashing down. I believe that we must increase spending on defence as a result; and know that there are no easy paths to doing so." Also read: Keir Starmer’s White House visit: Trump greets UK PM, says ‘We can, we will’ on Ukraine peace "I stood ready to work with you to deliver that increased spending, knowing some might well have had to come from overseas development assistance [ODA]. I also expected we would collectively discuss our fiscal rules and approach to taxation, as other nations are doing," she wrote. Dodds also questioned the feasibility of maintaining the government’s promised aid priorities, which include support for Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, vaccination efforts, climate initiatives, and rules-based international systems. "Yet it will be impossible to maintain these priorities given the depth of the cut; the effect will be far greater than presented, even if assumptions made about reducing asylum costs hold true," she warned. Also read: ‘Don’t come’: Trump cancelled Zelensky’s Washington visit until Macron stepped in to save the day UK aid spending to hit historic low The cuts will see UK aid spending fall to its lowest proportion of national income since records began. Starmer’s plan will reduce the budget from 0.5% of gross national income (GNI) to 0.3% by 2027, marking a sharp departure from Labour’s traditional commitment to international development. In 2023, nearly £4.3bn—around 28% of the aid budget—was used by the Home Office to cover asylum seeker housing costs in the UK. Even if these expenses are halved by 2027, Andrew Mitchell estimates that overseas aid spending would still drop to just 0.23% of national income, the lowest level since records began in 1960. Also read: 'Did I say that? I can't believe...': Trump disowns remark calling Zelensky a 'dictator' The previous lowest share of national income allocated to foreign aid was 0.24% in 1999. Widespread backlash from aid organisations The decision has provoked strong opposition from the charity sector, with 138 organisations writing to Starmer to voice their alarm. In their letter, the NGOs condemned the cuts as the largest reduction of UK aid in history and accused Starmer of following the US’s approach of diverting development funds to defence. Also read: Ukraine President Zelensky arrives in US for crucial talks with Trump; set to sign rare minerals deal "We implore you to reverse this decision before significant damage is done to both the UK’s development and humanitarian work and its global reputation," the letter, organised by Bond, a network of UK aid groups, stated. The cuts are expected to impact a range of critical programmes, including climate change initiatives, humanitarian relief efforts in Yemen, and funding for Gavi, the global vaccination alliance backed by Bill Gates. (With inputs from agencies)

'Following Trump's footsteps': UK minister resigns over Keir Starmer's historic foreign aid cut

A report by the Health Foundation has said that British women living in the poorest areas die younger than those dwelling in Latvia, Hungary, and Columbia which are a part of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

The analysis shows that the average life expectancy of women living in the most deprived or the poorest areas of England is 78.7. This is worse than the average life expectancy in most OECD countries excluding Mexico.&nbsp;

These areas include Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Knowsley, Livingston, Manchester, Blackpool, Birmingham, Burnley, Blackburn with Darwen, and Hartlepool.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-reduces-life-expectancy-in-south-africa-399286/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the director at the Health Foundation, Jo Bibby “The government has committed to addressing stalling life expectancy and this has been described as a core part of the levelling up agenda.”&nbsp;

“However, it has so far failed to acknowledge the mountain it needs to climb to bring life chances in the UK in line with other comparable countries.”

Meanwhile, the women living in the the richest areas live almost 7 years and eight months longer. Their average life expectancy is 86.4 years. These areas include, Hart, Wokingham, South Northamptonshire, Rutland and Chiltern.

Bibby said, “When OECD countries are ranked by life expectancy, the UK comes in 25th, a somewhat disappointing showing for the world’s fifth-largest economy.”

“However, an even more concerning picture emerges when we look at the gap between the rich and poor. The stark reality … is that the poorest can expect to live shorter and less healthy lives than their richer counterparts.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-has-caused-the-biggest-decrease-in-life-expectancy-says-study-416261">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19 has caused the biggest decrease in life expectancy, says study</a>

The Health Foundation's analysis found that Japan had the best life expectancy with 87.3 years in comparison to other countries.

''Inequalities between the richest and poorest in England are morally and economically unacceptable and the devastating impact they’re having on the poorest women is shown here clearly,'' as per Clare Bambra, a professor of public health at Newcastle University.

“If the government is to achieve its healthy life expectancy goals, it cannot ignore deprivation in the UK and must invest in helping those worst affected by the cost of living crisis through significant, funded support,” she told 'The Guardian'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/why-do-humans-have-a-longer-life-span-than-our-furry-companions-scientists-have-the-answer-470924">Also read |&nbsp;Why do humans have a longer life span than our furry companions? Scientists have the answer</a>

According to Anneliese Dodds, Chair of the Labour Party of the United Kingdom, “Everywhere you look the Tories are letting women down, whether it’s their inability to confront the cost of living crisis, their broken promise to deliver a women’s health strategy or their failure to tackle the entrenched structural inequalities in healthcare that are putting black, Asian and minority ethnic women at risk.”&nbsp;

In response, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said, ''We are committed to levelling up health across the country and our health disparities white paper, due later this year, will set out action to reduce the gap in health outcomes between different places, so that people’s backgrounds do not dictate their prospects for a healthy life.''

“We are also set to publish our women’s health strategy later this year to tackle gender health inequality and ensure everyone gets the high-quality care they need.

“We are also helping local authorities improve public health by increasing their grant to just over £3.4bn this year. We are investing a further £36bn in overall health and care over the next three years to put in place comprehensive reforms that are sustainable and fit for the future.”

(With inputs from agencies)

A report by the Health Foundation has said that British women living in the poorest areas die younger than those dwelling in Latvia, Hungary, and Columbia which are a part of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

A report by the Health Foundation has said that British women living in the poorest areas die younger than those dwelling in Latvia, Hungary, and Columbia which are a part of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The analysis shows that the average life expectancy of women living in the most deprived or the poorest areas of England is 78.7. This is worse than the average life expectancy in most OECD countries excluding Mexico. These areas include Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Knowsley, Livingston, Manchester, Blackpool, Birmingham, Burnley, Blackburn with Darwen, and Hartlepool. According to the director at the Health Foundation, Jo Bibby “The government has committed to addressing stalling life expectancy and this has been described as a core part of the levelling up agenda.” “However, it has so far failed to acknowledge the mountain it needs to climb to bring life chances in the UK in line with other comparable countries.” Meanwhile, the women living in the the richest areas live almost 7 years and eight months longer. Their average life expectancy is 86.4 years. These areas include, Hart, Wokingham, South Northamptonshire, Rutland and Chiltern. Bibby said, “When OECD countries are ranked by life expectancy, the UK comes in 25th, a somewhat disappointing showing for the world’s fifth-largest economy.” “However, an even more concerning picture emerges when we look at the gap between the rich and poor. The stark reality … is that the poorest can expect to live shorter and less healthy lives than their richer counterparts.” Also read | COVID-19 has caused the biggest decrease in life expectancy, says study The Health Foundation's analysis found that Japan had the best life expectancy with 87.3 years in comparison to other countries. ''Inequalities between the richest and poorest in England are morally and economically unacceptable and the devastating impact they’re having on the poorest women is shown here clearly,'' as per Clare Bambra, a professor of public health at Newcastle University. “If the government is to achieve its healthy life expectancy goals, it cannot ignore deprivation in the UK and must invest in helping those worst affected by the cost of living crisis through significant, funded support,” she told 'The Guardian'. Also read | Why do humans have a longer life span than our furry companions? Scientists have the answer According to Anneliese Dodds, Chair of the Labour Party of the United Kingdom, “Everywhere you look the Tories are letting women down, whether it’s their inability to confront the cost of living crisis, their broken promise to deliver a women’s health strategy or their failure to tackle the entrenched structural inequalities in healthcare that are putting black, Asian and minority ethnic women at risk.” In response, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said, ''We are committed to levelling up health across the country and our health disparities white paper, due later this year, will set out action to reduce the gap in health outcomes between different places, so that people’s backgrounds do not dictate their prospects for a healthy life.'' “We are also set to publish our women’s health strategy later this year to tackle gender health inequality and ensure everyone gets the high-quality care they need. “We are also helping local authorities improve public health by increasing their grant to just over £3.4bn this year. We are investing a further £36bn in overall health and care over the next three years to put in place comprehensive reforms that are sustainable and fit for the future.” (With inputs from agencies)

British women living in most deprived areas die younger than those in Latvia, Hungary and Columbia: Report

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'Following Trump's footsteps': UK minister resigns over Keir Starmer's historic foreign aid cut

British women living in most deprived areas die younger than those in Latvia, Hungary and Columbia: Report