Labour Governments have a pioneering record on development, creating departments for overseas development in the 1960s and 1990s, and we remain committed to rebuilding our development capability when economic and fiscal conditions allow, as per our manifesto.
Scottish Labour also pioneered the Scottish Government’s own programme of international development and humanitarian aid.
No one wanted to see the scenes that unfolded recently at the White House, but it has become clear that this could be a generation defining moment for peace and security in Europe.
Many European nations are having an urgent reassessment of their priorities now that it has become clear Europe must do the heavy lifting in the defence of Ukraine and the continent more widely.
This means taking tough decisions like prioritising defence spending, which the UK Labour Government is doing, increasing defence investment to 2.5% by April 2027. This is the biggest boost to defence spending since the Cold War, and is clearly now vital for keeping Scotland, the UK, and our allies safe.
Security is the first responsibility of every Government, and all our actions should be guided by the need for peace. Scotland and all of the UK stand alongside Ukraine in its hour of need.
National Security is the foundation of the UK Labour Government’s Plan for Change and development directly contributes to that – including through tackling upstream migration, supporting resilience in most vulnerable countries and communities. It will remain an important part of the UK’s soft power and commitment to the international rules-based system.
The UK Labour Government will continue to work with international partners to make a difference through development across the globe. This will focus on humanitarian support to war torn regions including Gaza, the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan. Labour will also continue work to tackle the effects of climate change and support multilateral efforts to improve global health, including through vaccinations.
What this means for specific projects will be determined by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office through a strategic portfolio process, which will prioritise legal obligations and minimising disruption.
Scottish Labour remains committed to maintaining a distinct Scottish Government programme of international development and humanitarian aid.