Does anyone else have déjà vu? In yet more political drama, Penny Mordaunt has been moved out of her role as UK Secretary of State for International Development, with Rory Stewart appointed to take her place.
Rory Stewart now has the immense responsibility of overseeing the majority of our international aid, the one part of our budget dedicated to tackling the shocking inequality that leaves 767 million people still living in extreme poverty.
It’s not just a big job, it’s one of the most important jobs in government. And while most eyes are focused on figuring out our future relationship with the EU, it’s essential that helping the world’s poorest people however we can remains a priority.
The new Secretary of State needs to know that people across the country support international aid, and want it to be spent as effectively as possible to tackle extreme poverty. Write a personal message to make sure Rory Stewart knows: you’re proud UK aid is helping to create a more equal world.
Here are a few points you could include:
- Welcome to the new job!
- You support the lifesaving impact of UK aid, and want to see it spent effectively on tackling extreme poverty.
- Highlight any issues you would like to see UK aid spent on — anything from vaccinating children against preventable diseases, to ensuring every woman is able to plan if and when to have children, through access to family planning.