The Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) has expressed its ‘deep concern and dismay’ at the UK Government’s announcement that it will cut around £6 billion from its aid budget by 2027. It also called on the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Sir Kier Starmer MP, to reconsider his decision saying, ‘during times of great uncertainty, as we are experiencing at this particular moment, the last thing the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world need is more uncertainty. We would urge the Government to reconsider their decision and look at other ways to support the people of Ukraine, but not at the expense of others facing, crisis, conflict and poverty.’
Following a meeting of PCI’s Council for Global Mission Global Development Committee, its convener, Rev Richard Kerr, said that the cuts will affect those least able to absorb them. “The value and support that the UK’s overseas aid brings, and the difference that it makes to the daily lives of millions of people across the world, is undeniable. During times of great uncertainty, as we are experiencing at this particular moment, the last thing that the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world need is more uncertainty.”
The minister of Templepatrick Presbyterian Church continued, “Having lived and worked in Malawi for 11 years before I was ordained, I have seen first-hand the real life-changing impact that aid can have. When it comes to health, food security, agriculture and supporting micro businesses, the difference that it can make for families in particular is undeniable.
“In expressing our deep concern and dismay at the decision that has been taken, we believe that it is not an issue of defence, but doing what is right. As a Church, we have long understood that we have a biblical responsibility to care for our global neighbours, it’s in our DNA. Yet for people of faith, and indeed people of no faith at all, I also believe that we have an ethical responsibility to support the most vulnerable, which is once again being shirked by the UK Government.”
Mr Kerr concluded by saying, “In a darkening world we need to be bringing light, life and hope to people. We would urge the Government to reconsider their decision and look at other ways to support the people of Ukraine, but not at the expense of others facing, crisis, conflict and poverty,” Mr Kerr said.