We share Dodds' extreme disappointment: the Government must reverse the cuts now

“We share Anneliese Dodds’ extreme disappointment at the Prime Minister’s shortsighted decision to slash the overseas aid budget.

“Her resignation shows that the most influential politicians in the Labour Party echo our outrage at the Government’s decision to slash an already woefully cut overseas aid budget. Cutting international aid to the lowest level since 1999 does not have a consensus across Parliament.

“Overseas aid saves lives. The Prime Minister’s decision will be catastrophic for millions of people affected by conflict, hunger, poverty and violence, including in Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine. At a time when humanitarian needs remain at an all-time high, the UK should be stepping up and showing its commitment to overseas aid. Instead, it is adding to the suffering.

“Plan International UK urgently calls on the Prime Minister to abandon this inhumane decision. Overseas aid saves children’s lives: the Government must reverse the cuts now.

“We would also like to thank the Minister for the commitment she showed to gender equality in both her Ministerial roles - we urge the government to continue to prioritise enhancing gender equality and protecting the rights of girls across the globe.”