Spending more on defence and less on aid does not mean walking away from our values and responsibilities here's why | Yvette Cooper

"In my lifetime, there has never been a period when the scale of global instability and insecurity and the impact here in the UK has been so great. Regional conflict is gripping the Middle East; the Iranian regime is trying to hold the global economy hostage in the strait of Hormuz; and a fresh humanitarian disaster is escalating in Lebanon all coming alongside the crises in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan and elsewhere."

"The peace dividend that we briefly enjoyed after the cold war is gone and, like many of our closest allies, we now need to invest more to respond to these new security threats. It is in this context that the government last year took the essential decision to increase our defence spending at the fastest pace since the end of the cold war."

"For a Labour government it is a fundamental part of our moral purpose to stand up against global disease and hunger, and help those trapped in crises caused by conflict or climate breakdown. We know that supporting development is not just about our party's values but about our national interests: tackling insecurity and building partnerships abroad helps our security and economy back home."

Global instability has reached unprecedented levels, with regional conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan threatening UK security and economy. Britain has increased defence spending at the fastest pace since the Cold War and deployed military assets to defensive operations. The government funded this increase by reducing overseas aid spending over three years. Despite these security pressures, international development remains crucial to UK foreign policy. Supporting global development addresses disease, hunger, and conflict-driven crises while building partnerships that enhance national security and economic interests. Development spending represents both moral responsibility and strategic investment in long-term stability.

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