Dear Editor,
There are currently 644 million people living in poverty worldwide however the UK government cut the ODA budget from 0.7% to 0.5% in 2021. Cutting this budget has seen an increase in child mortality as well as levels of hunger. The amount of terrorist cells has risen which increases levels of instability. This causes conflict in developing countries which threatens UK security. Living conditions have also worsened which has increased the spread of infectious diseases. There has been an increase in the amount of poverty related deaths.
As a member of the G7, the United Kingdom has a moral obligation to increase this budget. Providing more aid helps the world’s most vulnerable by improving their living conditions and strengthening global peace. Increasing this budget not only helps those living in poverty but also benefits members of the UK. People who are brought out of poverty become consumers to the UK opening new markets and potential customers. Less poverty also decreases conflict in developing countries therefore improving national security.
The Borgen Project is a non-profit organisation fighting for the underdog by working with world leaders to increase the amount of foreign aid. Support The Borgen Project today and email your MP: https://borgenproject.org/email-parliament-uk/.
I urge Paul Howell to support the ODA budget.
Danielle Hutchinson, Chilton.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
