14 March 2023 

Dear Jeremy, 

Reinstating 0.7% foreign aid spending in the Budget 

I’m writing to request that you reinstate foreign aid spending to 0.7% in the upcoming Budget and ensure the allocation is ringfenced from other departments. 

I’ve been deeply concerned by the cuts to foreign aid spending and the devastating impact it has had on people from some of the world’s poorest countries. The reduction in funding has meant that UK help has fallen behind on the world stage, with slow responses to crises like the recent Turkey and Syria earthquakes. Furthermore, reports of parts of the foreign aid budget being reallocated to other departments represents another blow even to the existing allocations. 

Humanitarian aid has been a lifeline for communities facing disasters such as the flooding in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Northern India. The cuts to foreign aid will devastate extremely vulnerable people impacted by disasters across the world. It’s vital to the protection of lives that support is available when needed.  

Reinstating and ringfencing the UK’s 0.7% commitment to foreign aid will reduce preventable loss of life from disasters and provide vital support in the aftermath. Please will you consider including this measure in the Government’s upcoming Budget? 

I look forward to receiving a response in due course. 

Yours sincerely, 

Rachel Hopkins 
Member of Parliament for Luton South 
Shadow Minister for Veterans and Defence People