Key facts
- Labour MPs are urging Andy Burnham to reinstate the 0.7% overseas aid spending target.
- A 10-year trajectory is proposed for gradually returning to the 0.7% aid spending goal.
- Suggestions include leveraging the UK's 2027 G20 presidency to discuss a global wealth tax.
Labour MPs are urging the incoming Labour leader, Andy Burnham, to reinstate the United Kingdom's commitment to spending 0.7% of national income on overseas aid. This target was originally set by Gordon Brown. The MPs propose a 10-year trajectory to gradually return to this spending level. Additionally, they suggest using the UK's presidency of the G20 in 2027 to discuss the implementation of a global wealth tax. The calls come as Burnham prepares to take over leadership from Keir Starmer, who resigned after losing party support. Burnham has pledged to create a team where "everyone is valued, seen, listened to and can make their mark." MPs have also advised Burnham to engage with backbenchers, accept disagreement without penalizing dissent, and maintain parliamentary discipline. Some MPs have privately suggested that a smaller majority might be easier to manage, though the former Conservative chief whip Mark Spencer warns against calling a snap election due to the risk of losing a majority.