The UK Government’s Support for International Development
Dear [MP’s Name],
I am writing to you as a constituent of yours and someone who is deeply concerned about the UK’s support for international development. As well as helping countries develop economically, the UK’s efforts must focus on reducing poverty and ensure a more just and equal global community, allowing every person, wherever they are born, to lead a healthy, happy and fulfilled life. This means ensuring people have access to their rights to things like education, healthcare, and adequate nutrition, by working in partnership with local communities to meet their aspirations.
The UK has long been a powerful supporter of global development efforts; yet the cuts announced in February 2025 to our Official Development Assistance budget to just 0.3% of Gross National Income go directly against these aims. As you will know, the UK’s ODA budget saves lives and combats poverty around the world, helping create ‘a world free from poverty on a livable planet’. It is disappointing to see this Government make the decision to deprioritise the fight to end poverty, after such great progress in international development over several decades.
At a time of increased geopolitical instability, it is understandable that countries such as the UK wish to increase their defence budgets. But it is insupportable to do so at the cost of essential services relied upon by people and communities around the world.
I urge you to write to the Foreign Secretary, pressing her to reprioritise international development as a critical part of the UK’s foreign policy – including by the restoration of the 0.7% aid commitment – and to press the Foreign Secretary to outline clearly how the Government intends to achieve this.
I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]