My first event at conference was Bond and Labour Foreign Policy Group’s panel event on foreign policy and development with Preet Gill MP, where we discussed the crucial role of aid in foreign policy.
I’ve seen first hand the terrible impact of Tory cuts to aid while in Lebanon, where mine clearances are under threat due to the Government’s decision to cut funding for humanitarian mine action by 80%.
Cuts to aid send the message to places like South Sudan, Myanmar, Iraq and elsewhere that the UK no longer cares and is no longer a world leader in foreign affairs.
That’s why development will be at the heart of the next Labour government’s vision to foster peace and stability across the world, and I was proud to make this clear during the event.
