Charities urge UK government to reverse ‘damaging’ cuts to foreign aid

Jesuit Missions has signed an open letter to the Prime Minister and Treasury, criticising the government’s decision to cut the country’s overseas aid budget.

Some 138 signatories put their names to the letter, including Jesuit Missions’ Director Paul Chitnis, calling for a reversal of the decision.

There are concerns that the move could lead to the closure of some programmes that support marginalised communities facing poverty, conflict and climate change.

Others who signed the letter include Save the Children UK, Oxfam GB, Christian Aid, Islamic Relief and CAFOD.

The announcement comes shortly after the United States government issued a 90-day suspension on humanitarian assistance and development funding.

*Jesuit Missions’ Director, Paul Chitnis, spent time in South Sudan recently, where he witnessed the vital impact of international aid*

The letter states: “It is alarming that the UK is now following in the US’s footsteps and has accepted the false choice of cutting the already diminished UK aid to fund defence.

“We implore you to reverse this decision before significant damage is done to both the UK’s development and humanitarian work and its global reputation.”

It goes on to suggest the announcement will leave “government’s ambition to be a reliable development partner on the global stage in tatters.”

“No government should balance its books on the backs of the world’s most marginalised people,” it continues.

“The previous UK aid cuts and the current US aid freeze have already shown their impact: children are now at risk of missing out on vaccines, girls may lose access to education, and healthcare services in refugee camps are being withdrawn.”

The sector, and MPs across the house, are putting pressure on the PM and Treasury to make a statement to Parliament, outlining whether the impact of these cuts has been thought through and are asking whether alternative sources of funding were explored before deciding to remove support to those who need it the most.

Mr Chitnis said: “This announcement will have a devastating effect on some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

“Last year, I visited refugee camps in South Sudan, where I witnessed the impact poverty and conflict can have on populations, and how necessary it is to support them.

“The UK should be sending a message that it stands full square alongside these people in their time of need. “I urge the government to reconsider this decision and look for other ways to fund the programme.”