Trade Minister Douglas Alexander has expressed concern that public support for international aid spending has significantly declined. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Political Thinking with Nick Robinson, Alexander, who previously served as international development secretary under Gordon Brown, acknowledged that even in times of financial stability, there would still be a need to actively justify aid investment to the public.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer redirected a portion of the international aid budget to boost defence spending, a decision that was met with strong opposition from charitable organizations. Critics argued that the cut would have severe consequences for vulnerable communities globally and could also weaken the UK’s strategic interests abroad.

Alexander reaffirmed his belief that investing in foreign aid is both ethically justified and strategically beneficial. However, he admitted that the public no longer supports such spending as it once did. “We’ve lost the argument at various points,” he said, adding that promoting international stability, equality, and security is crucial for future generations.

He emphasized that the issue goes beyond just financial constraints, stating that support for aid has become "culturally challenged" in addition to being fiscally questioned. Even if funding weren’t an issue, he suggested, gaining public approval would still be necessary.

Alexander also noted a broader global trend, observing that nations once seen as leaders in international development—such as the U.S., France, Germany, and Norway—have also scaled back their aid commitments.

Reflecting on the past, he recalled participating in the Make Poverty History march in Edinburgh two decades ago, where he carried his young son on his shoulders and pushed his daughter in a pram. The march, which coincided with the G8 summit in Gleneagles, drew hundreds of thousands of people calling for debt relief and increased aid for poorer nations. The event was part of a larger global campaign that included the high-profile Live 8 concerts. For Alexander, it was a powerful reminder that political decisions and public movements can make a meaningful difference.