Downing Street has published the prime minister’s response to his development minister resigning.
Anneliese Dodds stood down on Friday over the government’s cuts to international aid, with money being spent instead on defence.
In his response, Sir Keir Starmer said that aid “was important” and that he was “proud of what we have done”.
He added: “The UK will still be providing significant humanitarian and development support, and we will continue to protect vital programmes – including in the world’s worst conflict zones of Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan.
“The decision I have taken on the impact on [aid] was a difficult and painful decision and not one I take lightly.
“We will do everything we can to return to a world where that is not the case and to rebuild a capability on development.
“However, protecting our national security must always be the first duty of any government and I will always act in the best interests of the British people.”
The PM went on to congratulate Dodds for her work as aid minister, and also on equality, before sending her his “best wishes”.
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