In November, the Government announced that it plans to cut spending on overseas aid in 2021, reducing the 0.7% of national income currently allocated to international development to 0.5%. This would reduce the 2021 aid budget by around £4 billion (30%) compared with 2019. This is unacceptable, especially during a global pandemic that is causing vastly more poverty worldwide. It signals that the UK is effectively turning its back on already-marginalised people and failing to play its part in building a fairer world that leaves no one behind. The impact will be felt by the poorest and most marginalised communities the hardest, and many thousands of lives are at stake.
With the UK hosting key global moments this year, including the G7 meeting of world leaders, the replenishment of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and the UN climate conference, the Government should be setting a good example of global cooperation. It’s up to us to demonstrate public support for high-quality aid programmes that save lives and build stronger health and education systems. This month, please contact your MP, asking them to vote against the aid cuts when the necessary legislation is brought before Parliament, and to write to the Secretary of State to share your view that the aid cuts are wrong.
See our action materials below for guidance on taking action! You can also ask your MP to oppose the aid cuts with our e-action template email.
If you missed our February Grassroots monthly conference call, you can watch it here.