Andy Burnham takes office at a moment of real challenge for Britain, and we recognise the scale of what his government inherits.
We were disappointed, however, that his first speech as Prime Minister made no mention of international development or the cuts to UK aid spending.
The Prime Minister has promised a ten-year plan to address the structural challenges facing the country. Any serious long-term vision for Britain must consider the kind of country we want to be in the world, as well as at home.
The government’s own assessment warns that the consequences of aid cuts will disproportionately affect women and children. These consequences are not inevitable. The existing spending roadmap can, and must, be rerouted.
In his first 100 days, we are calling on the Prime Minister to review planned aid allocations and prioritise funding that protects children, women and families living through conflict, poverty and crisis.
A ten-year plan should not begin by withdrawing support from those already facing the greatest risks. We urge Andy Burnham to work with the international development and children’s sectors to build an approach that protects children’s lives, reflects Britain’s responsibilities and restores its global leadership.