Anneliese Dodds has resigned as Minister for International Development in protest against Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to cut the UK’s foreign aid budget, a move that has deepened divisions within the Labour Party. Dodds, a key figure from Labour’s soft-left faction, stepped down on Friday after publicly opposing Starmer’s decision to redirect billions from the international aid budget towards defence spending. The cuts are expected to significantly impact aid programmes in regions such as Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine. In her resignation letter, Dodds warned that the cuts would harm Britain’s standing on the global stage and undermine long-term diplomatic priorities. “This decision will cause immense suffering and does not align with Labour’s values,” she wrote, criticising what she described as an increasingly hawkish foreign policy stance. Starmer defended the move, arguing that strengthening defence was a necessity given global instability, and insisting that Labour remained committed to humanitarian efforts. He also praised Dodds’ service, indicating that she could still play a role in the party’s future. Dodds’ resignation has sparked backlash among Labour MPs and activists, particularly those who fear that the party is abandoning its traditional centre-left principles in pursuit of electoral credibility. One senior Labour figure described the cuts as “an unnecessary concession to the right,” while others warned that internal dissatisfaction could grow if Starmer continues shifting policy in this direction. The departure of Dodds, who previously served as Labour Party Chair and Shadow Chancellor, marks a significant moment for Labour’s internal dynamics. With growing criticism over Starmer’s policy direction, her replacement will be closely scrutinised for signs of how the leadership intends to balance ideological tensions within the party.  ...