Andy Burnham to overhaul UK Foreign Office and raise aid spending

Labour leader Andy Burnham is preparing a day‑one policy blitz that includes a major reform of the UK Foreign Office. Senior party sources say energy secretary Ed Miliband is likely to be appointed foreign secretary, with a mandate to restore the UK’s international aid budget to the historic target of 0.7 % of GDP.

The proposed changes would also define Britain’s stance on the war in Iran, the level of military support for the United States, and the relationship with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Burnham has criticised the current policy on the Gaza conflict and is expected to adopt a tougher line on Israel.

Domestically, Burnham plans to announce additional oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, prompting climate‑change protests in London, and has hinted at further cryptocurrency and anti‑corruption reforms. Party insiders note anger over previous reductions of aid spending to 0.2 % of GDP and pressure to reverse that decision.