Stewart Harper is a a Conservative activist, a former parliamentary candidate, and was part of the Coalition for Global Prosperity’s first cohort of Future Leaders.
The events of the last few days have demonstrated, if evidence was required, that we need to make better provision for our own defence. So, the decision by the Labour government to match the Conservatives’ manifesto pledge, and increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP, is a good one. But the decision to take that money from international development is short-sighted and doesn’t take account of the long-term interests of this country.
In order to safeguard our national security, protect our interests, and uphold our global commitments, this should not come at the expense of international development. A well-funded development budget is far from just a moral imperative but it is a strategic necessity. Development spending is an essential tool of soft power, a stabilising force against security threats, and an investment in long-term economic and diplomatic advantages.
Stronger defence requires more than military spending
The UK’s spending on defence is an essential pillar of national security, ensuring that our Armed Forces are world-leading, well-equipped, and capable of responding to emerging threats. With growing threats of terrorism and cyber warfare, the risks from hostile states and geopolitical instability – as well as the evidence that others won’t do it for us – the need for greater investment in the UK’s defence is clear.
However, security is not just about military capability. It is about addressing the root causes of instability, conflict, and migration before they escalate into threats to this country. International development plays a crucial role in that – investment in development can prevent conflicts, weaken the appeal of extremism, and create stable trading partners, reducing the need for costly military interventions in the future.
US Secretary of Defence in President Trump’s first term, Jim Mattis, summed it up thus: “If you don’t fund the State Department fully, then I need to buy more ammunition ultimately”.
Development as a strategic investment in British security
International development is often seen as charity, but this ignores the role it plays promoting British security and prosperity. Effective development policies reduce the likelihood of conflicts that could spill over into global instability. Poverty, weak governance, and lack of economic opportunity create fertile ground for extremism, organised crime, and mass migration—all of which pose direct risks to the UK.
The UK’s aid programmes in Africa and the Middle East help to build resilient institutions, promote economic opportunities, and provide alternatives to radicalisation. In fragile states like Somalia and Syria, UK-funded programmes have contributed to reducing the influence of terrorist organisations such as al-Shabaab and ISIS. Without such stabilisation efforts, extremist groups would expand, leading to a greater need for military intervention and increasing the risk of terror attacks on British soil.
Furthermore, development spending helps address the root causes of irregular migration, which remains one of the biggest concerns in our country. With support for economic development, education, and governance reforms in key regions, Britain can reduce these migratory pressures in the long term, reinforcing national security while upholding its humanitarian values.
Strengthening Britain’s global influence
Britain’s role as a global power depends not just on military strength but also on diplomatic and economic influence. Development aid is a key component of the UK’s soft power, helping to build relationships with emerging economies, foster goodwill, and counter the influence of authoritarian regimes such as China and Russia.
China, for example, has been aggressively expanding its Belt and Road Initiative, using infrastructure investment as a tool to gain political leverage over developing nations. If Britain were to scale back its development efforts, it would cede influence to Beijing, allowing authoritarian powers to shape global governance and economic structures in ways that undermine Western values and security interests.
Economic benefits
Development spending is also an investment in Britain’s future prosperity. Many of the world’s fastest-growing economies are in regions that have benefited from UK aid and trade partnerships. By supporting economic development in these nations, Britain is helping to create future trading partners and investment opportunities for British businesses.
A well-targeted aid strategy can foster pro-market reforms and private-sector growth in developing countries, opening doors for UK exports and investment. This aligns with the Conservative principle of free trade and economic expansion, ensuring that Britain reaps economic benefits from its global engagement.
Moreover, development aid can help create conditions for mutually beneficial trade agreements, particularly as the UK forges a new independent trade policy post-Brexit. Supporting infrastructure projects, education, and business-friendly policies in developing economies can facilitate stronger trade ties, securing access to emerging markets for British goods and services.
A Conservative approach to development and defence
The idea that the UK must choose between defence and development is a false choice. Both are essential to Britain’s long-term security, prosperity, and global standing. A true Conservative strategy recognises that international development is not about handouts but about strategic investment in stability, influence, and economic growth.
Of course, aid must be spent wisely. There is no place for wasteful spending or programmes that do not deliver results. As Conservatives, we must ensure that development funding is targeted, transparent, and aligned with Britain’s national interest. This means prioritising projects that enhance stability, support British trade, and reduce security threats.
If we want to maintain influence, protect our own interests, and ensure that China does not grow in strength then maintaining our development spend is not just the right thing to do—it is the smart thing to do.
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