Keir Starmer once advised against cutting foreign aid over the boost it could give to countries like Russia, it has emerged.

Last week, the prime minister announced he was slashing the international development fund from 0.5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 0.3%.

That money will now be redirected to the defence budget, which will increase from 2.3% of GDP to 2.5%, amid the growing concerns about Europe’s security, Vladimir Putin’s land grabs and the Ukraine war.

Starmer admitted that he was not “happy” about the decision but said: “At times like these the defence and security of the British people must always come first – that is the number one priority of this government.”

But, as leader of the opposition, Starmer told the then-Conservative government not to reduce the international aid budget from 0.7% of GDP to 0.5% – precisely because of the boost it gave to countries like Russia.

Speaking in July 2021, the Labour leader said: “Our overseas aid budget goes beyond that moral obligation: it also helps build a more stable world and keeps us safer in the UK.

“This cut will also reduce UK influence just when it is needed most, and of course it risks leaving a vacuum that other countries – China and Russia, for example – will fill.”

The Tories decided to cut foreign aid spending in 2021 because of the strain on public finances at the time.

Starmer chose to cut it again to boost defence spending last week after US President Donald Trump said America would no longer provide military protection for Europe – even amid fears Putin will push further into Europe unless deterred by the west.

But the PM’s decision to boost defence at the cost of foreign aid has been heavily criticised – especially in light of his past warning.

A Labour MP told HuffPost UK: “It does seem the PM has once again been hoisted by his own petard. For many observing this latest display, the ‘vacuum’ he warned about was the one where his principles used to be.”

Tory MP – and deputy foreign secretary under Rishi Sunak – Andrew Mitchell criticised Starmer over the comments too, saying: “I hope the prime minister will revisit his wise words when he supported the rebellion in the Conservative Party against the cut from 0.7% to 0.5%.

“How much more compelling is the case he put so eloquently back then when applied to today’s savage cuts and cynical proposals.”

Speaking almost four years ago, Starmer also said: “The House should have had the opportunity for a straight up/down vote on whether to approve or reject the Government’s cut to overseas aid.”

Now, as prime minister, Starmer has not given parliament a chance to vote on the decision to cut aid.

Back in 2021, the Labour leader also warned: “Cutting aid will increase costs and have a big impact on our economy. Development aid – we all know this – reduces conflict, disease and people fleeing from their homes.

“It is a false economy to pretend that this is some sort of cut that does not have consequences.”

Labour backbencher Sarah Champion quoted these warnings from Starmer in parliament this week during a debate on the reduction in aid.

She said it was an “inarguable case against the folly of making massive aid cuts” and claimed Starmer’s words “are as true now as they were then”.

The international development minister Anneliese Dodds has just quit her job after Keir Starmer chose to cut the foreign aid budget, reports say.

The prime minister announced he was taking funds from the international development sector to boost defence spending from its current level of 2.3% of gross domestic product (GDP) to 2.5% by 2027 – by 3% by the next parliament.

This move came after Donald Trump said Europe needs to spend more on its own security and stop relying on the US.

It means foreign aid funding will fall from 0.5% of GDP to 0.3%, a move which sparked backlash among charities and Labour backbenchers.

Dodds quit on Friday, warning that the UK’s decision would only strengthen Russia as Vladimir Putin stretches his influence around the globe.

She said while it was right to increase defence spending, she believes Starmer will now find it “impossible” to now stick to his promises to fund development in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan.

According to the Guardian – who first reported her resignation – Dodds said she was told about the shift in spending on Monday but chose to hold off on announcing her resignation until after the PM’s trip to Washington.

In her letter, she said: “Undoubtedly the postwar global order has come crashing down. I believe that we must increase spending on defence as a result; and know that there are no easy paths to doing so.

“I stood ready to work with you to deliver that increased spending, knowing some might well have had to come from overseas development assistance [ODA]. I also expected we would collectively discuss our fiscal rules and approach to taxation, as other nations are doing.

“Even 3% may only be the start, and it will be impossible to raise the substantial resources needed just through tactical cuts to public spending. These are unprecedented times, when strategic decisions for the sake of our country’s security cannot be ducked.”

Dodds also warned this would impact Britain’s national security.

She said: “The cut will also likely lead to a UK pullout from numerous African, Caribbean and western Balkan nations at a time when Russia has been aggressively increasing its global presence.

“All this while China is seeking to rewrite global rules, and when the climate crisis is the biggest security threat of them all.”

The Labour MP’s criticism over the cut comes after senior Labour peer and former Scottish first minister Lord McConnell warned in HuffPost UK that the reduction in foreign aid would “create chaos and cost lives”.

Dodds’ decision also marks the fourth ministerial resignation since the PM was elected in July.

Louise Haigh quit as the transport secretary in November, Tulip Siddiq quit as the anti-corruption minister in January and Andrew Gwynne quit as health minister earlier this month.

The prime minister lost his then chief of staff, Sue Gray, in October, too.

Read Dodds’ full letter here: