In a time where the greatest threat to international development comes from within our own government, the resignation of Annelise Dodds from her role as Minister for International Development and for Women and Equalities serves as a rare demonstration of political integrity. It is welcome to see that there are still leaders willing to stand by their principles rather than support policies that devastate vulnerable communities in the Global South.

However, her departure raises serious concerns about the extent of the damage caused by the recent gutting of the UK's Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget. The resignation of the minister closest to the issue further proves that the reckless cuts threaten the lives and well-being of countless people in the Global South.

Minister Dodds rightly acknowledged that this aggressive policy will worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Yet, it must be pointed out that the UK’s continued supply of arms to Israel poses a greater existential threat to the lives of men, women, and children in the region.

The UK government is fully aware that these decisions will cost lives. Now that Prime Minister Keir Starmer has secured his photo-op with Donald Trump, we call on him to urgently reverse this catastrophic policy. It is not enough to reinstate the 0.5% aid commitment – there must be a return to the 0.7% target.

Failure to act will lead to further loss of life and will irreparably damage the UK's fading reputation as once being a humanitarian leader on the global stage.

Notes to editors:

Action For Humanity provides aid and assistance to people affected by natural and man-made disasters. We are the parent charity of Syria Relief, the UK’s largest Syria-focused humanitarian aid organisation. As an NGO we are guided by our drive to help others, not profit. Based in Manchester, Action For Humanity has operations in Syria, Yemen, Pakistan, the UK, and several other regions. We have operated throughout Syria for over a decade, responding to crises and developing communities. In 2022, Action For Humanity supported a remarkable 4.8 million people across the globe.

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