Methodist:
“Times are tough for many of us – both here in the UK, and for our brothers and sisters across the globe. UK Aid is a percentage of the UK’s GNI – and so it changes each year, and is never beyond what we as a nation can afford. It is vital that we preserve the UK’s reputation as a champion of global justice. A measure of a nation’s values is seen not only by actions in times of plenty but by resolve during other times too. As Christians, we believe it is our duty to stand alongside our global neighbours, and seek justice for the most vulnerable. As we are called to love our neighbours – wherever they might be – remaining vocally committed to 0.7% GNI is a moral imperative.”
Revd Richard Teal, President of the Methodist Conference, and Carolyn Lawrence, Vice-President
Baptist:
In 2015 the UK made this commitment legally binding and so has built a reputation as a leader in strengthening global health systems, tackling global challenges and reducing poverty. Should the government now renege on its manifesto commitment to maintain that level of aid, many of the most vulnerable people in the world will be forced to endure even more suffering. Not only that, but the UK will risk its standing as a nation committed to seeing a healthier, safer and flourishing world – all this on the eve of the UK hosting the G7 summit and the 26th UN Climate Change Conference in 2021.
Lynn Green (General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain)
United Reformed Church:
Mission Council is concerned by reports this week that the government is preparing to break its manifesto pledge and abandon Britain’s long-standing commitment to spending 0.7% of national income on international development;
believes that a commitment to the poorest in the world should not be an optional extra but at the heart of our country’s responsibilities, especially in the context of a global pandemic and a climate emergency;
instructs the Moderators of General Assembly to make these concerns known to government in the strongest possible terms and encourages people and local churches to contact their MPs about this important issue.
URC Mission Council
In times of global need, it is those with the broadest shoulders that need to support others. International development is not about charity, it is essential to the delivery of the vision of a Global Britain as foreign aid supports UK priorities.
Protecting public health, promoting human rights, tackling violence against women, mitigating against climate change.
Helping to build stable economies and societies will have long term benefits for international peace and security.
The Church of Scotland has supported the campaign for a 0.7% international development budget for many years.
We ask MPs of all parties to urge the UK Government to reconsider, for the sake of humanity and because of what this decision says about what kind of country we aspire to be.
Very Rev Dr Susan Brown, convener of the Faith Impact Forum