Setting the path to reaching 0.7%, and securing the votes that enshrined that target in law, is one of Labour’s greatest achievements and is helping transform the lives of millions of people every year. Yet the Tories want to cut our aid to 0.5%, just at the time when aid is needed to prevent the further spread of COVID and protect people’s jobs and livelihoods.

Because the 0.7% target is protected by law – this Tory government will need to win a vote in Parliament before they can make this cut. We have a chance to stop them – if we can convince enough Tory MPs to rebel.

You can help by writing a letter to them as their constituent to persuade them to do the right thing. Suggested talking points are below, but do remember that a personalised message will have more impact.

Click here to email your MP!

Thank you.

Suggested talking points:

• As COVID-19 continues to rage across the globe, leaving devastation in its wake, we cannot afford to cut this life-saving budget.
• Not only does UK Aid protect the lives and livelihoods of the world’s poorest, but by curbing the spread of COVID-19 in developing countries we can prevent its return to Europe and the devastating impact that would have on us here in the UK.
• The UK set to host both the G7 and COP26 next year – to retreat from our UN commitment to spend 0.7% on aid would seriously damage our reputation on the global stage at the very worst time.
• Now is not the time for Britain to turn it’s back on the world’s poorest and most vulnerable. 
• As my local MP, I would like to ask that you write to the Prime Minister and urge him to honour his manifesto commitment to spend 0.7% of GNI on aid, to create a safer, healthier and prosperous world for us all.
• Aid spending is linked to our GNI so it rises or falls according to how our economy is doing and how much we can afford to spend – so it will already be lower this year as a result. This additional cut will cause needless harm to some of the world’s poorest people.

Potential impact of the 30% cut:

• 940,000 fewer children a year will be supported to gain a decent education.
• 7.6 million fewer women and girls a year will be reached with modern methods of family planning.
• 2.0 million fewer people a year will be reached with humanitarian assistance.
• 5.6 million fewer children a year will be immunised and 105,000 lives a year will not be saved.
• 3.8 million fewer people a year will be supported to gain access to clean water and/or better sanitation.