UK needs to rebuild global development reputation, admits Andrew Mitchell

Development minister’s comments at World Bank summit in Marrakech acknowledge effect of aid budget cuts

Britain has to rebuild its reputation as a global leader in providing assistance to poor countries after the damage caused by the decision to slash the aid budget as part of post-pandemic spending cuts, the development minister, Andrew Mitchell, has admitted.

Speaking at the annual meeting of the World Bank in Marrakech, Mitchell – who led a backbench revolt against the decision to abandon the government’s commitment to spending 0.7% of national output on aid – said it was vital the UK “played its part”.