Statement on the UK in the World

The Doomsday clock stands at 23:58:31.

The world we know has never been more precarious – faced with multiple crises of climate, hunger, pandemic and with the politics of autocracy. Open Labour’s democratic socialism is needed now more than ever to create broad, diverse alliances to champion a transformation of society at home and abroad.

It is time for Labour’s internationalist tradition to come to the fore, not just in defence and security but across the board. That is why our government should take an approach grounded in the security of individuals and communities as well as of states and borders. That human security is the physical security against war and terror and the material security against poverty, hunger, disease and the climate and nature crisis.

We cannot defend and advance democracy and human rights whilst cutting overseas development assistance from an already low 0.5% to 0.3% of GNI. From Wilson to Blair and Brown and many on today’s frontbench, Labour has a long and proud record of overseas aid.

Open Labour will support the government in its search for alternative resources before these cuts hit. We welcome the Prime Minister’s despatch box commitment to the 0.7% target when resources allow and his efforts to explore other levers to increase aid spending, but we urge that this is done without delay. We realise that the woeful legacy of 14 Tory years means that there are no easy ways to find resources but options that increase fiscal headroom without placing the burden on working people or most employers must be considered.

Open Labour supports increased defence spending to meet the challenges of Russian aggression in Europe, and will support the government in its search for alternative funding resources. Labour must be a beacon not a weathervane – neither national nor human security is advanced by jeopardising the world’s poorest, nor making things harder for its most fragile states.