A letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

Dear Prime Minister,

The global food system is broken, and millions of people are facing hunger and famine around the world. While you cannot fix this problem alone, there are clear, defined ways you can serve up change and take a stance on this issue.

Governments like ours have to play their role in helping those in need here at home and all over the world. We are one human family, and our sisters and brothers need us to raise our voices in their names. I am supporting SCIAF’s call for action on global hunger, and urge you to commit to their three asks:

1. Delivering new and additional cash 

Climate change has caused the worst drought in living memory for people in East Africa, destroying crops and livestock. Money is urgently needed to supply food aid in East Africa, ensuring families can survive one of the most devastating food crises in their history.  

2. A critical change in policy 

In 2020, the UK Government scrapped their legal requirement to spend at least 0.7% on overseas aid. In 2017, many thousands of lives were saved when the UK invested millions of pounds to avert a famine. This time round, the devastating cuts mean the UK has given itself less room to help and lives are being lost. The decision to cut overseas aid must be reversed. 

3. System change  

The UK must promote sustainable forms of agriculture across the world and invest in systems that work for people and planet, not just profit. 

We must call on our political leaders to fix the food system. They must be encouraged to do all they can to get food to those who need it in times of crisis and keep their promises on international aid and development.

Thank you.