Last week, the Prime Minister announced that in order to fund an increase in defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, the UK will cut its international aid and development budget from 0.5% to 0.3% of GDP.
This decision breaks a long term commitment as well as a manifesto promise to honour the development spending of 0.7%.
UK international aid and development has saved countless lives through initiatives such as fighting the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, providing food aid in crisis zones, and empowering girls through education in places like Afghanistan. Beyond humanitarian impact, aid is also a powerful tool for preventing conflict, countering terrorism, facilitating trade partnerships, and giving our leaders credibility when it comes to negotiating on the world stage.
There are three things you can do if you want to stand with those whose lives have been put at risk:
There are three things you can do to help:
1. Write a letter to your MP
2. Encourage others to write to their MP
3. Pledge to give 0.7%
The UK government originally committed to spending 0.7% of GDP on international aid—an affordable and effective commitment to help the world’s most vulnerable people. Our call for aid funding will carry more weight if we show that we, as individuals, are willing to do our part.
If you are already giving, or can pledge to give, at least 0.7% of your income* to support international aid and development, please fill in the short form below.
*0.7% of your income works out at £0.70 per £100, £7 per £1000, or £70 per £10,000 that you earn.
We really appreciate you standing with us for the vulnerable in our global community.