Sarwar must ‘end silence’ on cuts to international aid, says SNP

The SNP has called on Anas Sarwar to “end your silence” on cuts to the international aid budget, after a minister quit the Labour Government in protest against the move.

However, Mr Sarwar’s party hit back, saying the SNP must “get serious” on the issue and accusing it of playing politics with national security.

The Prime Minister announced defence spending would increase to 2.5% of GDP in 2027, with the rise largely paid for by cuts to development assistance aid.

This led to international development minister Anneliese Dodds resigning, saying she recognises the difficulty of the decision but arguing it is wrong for aid to “absorb the entire burden”.

The SNP has welcomed the increase to defence spending but questioned how it is being funded.

SNP MP Chris Law has written to Mr Sarwar, saying the cut to aid spending is “strategically damaging, immoral and it breaks yet another manifesto pledge”.

Chris Law wrote to the Scottish Labour leader (David Woolfall/PA). PA Media

He said: “At a time when Russia and other countries are deliberately expanding their global influence, it is staggering, short-sighted and strategically inept that the Labour Government is withdrawing UK engagement from key regions.

“It will have long-term damaging consequences for the security, prosperity and influence of Scotland and the UK.

“I urge you to come out of hiding, end your silence and stand up for Scotland’s interests by opposing these cuts.

“I also urge you to join the SNP in demanding that MPs get a vote and make clear that you will instruct your Scottish Labour MPs to oppose these cuts, and vote against them, at every opportunity.”

A Scottish Labour spokesman said: “The first duty of any government is to keep people safe.

“As a leading European power, the UK must step up, that is why we are increasing defence investment to 2.5% by April 2027.

“This is the biggest boost to defence spending since the Cold War, vital for keeping Scotland, the UK and our allies safe.

“This will be funded through the difficult but necessary decision to reduce overseas aid while protecting humanitarian support to war-torn regions including Ukraine, Sudan and the Middle East.

“The SNP need to get serious and stop playing politics on the issue of national security.”