Creating an independent development ministry was a signature first move of the Blair government in 1997, generating much-needed momentum in the global fight against poverty that lasted for more than a decade. When David Cameron’s coalition became the first government in the world to legislate for 0.7% of gross national income to be spent on aid, Britain was seen by many as a “development superpower”.
Yet, after years of brutal aid cuts and the reckless maligning of development by politicians – among whom Boris Johnson is the most high profile – this status is badly tarnished. Keir Starmer and his shadow minister for international development, Lisa Nandy, will have their work cut out – not only to salvage Britain’s reputation on the world stage, but also to sell a vision of a compassionate, internationalist Britain to a sceptical domestic audience.
