Labour response to Government cutting support to war-torn Yemen in half

Preet Kaur Gill MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for International Development, commenting on the Government cutting its support to war-torn Yemen in half, said:

“Slashing life-saving support to the largest humanitarian crisis in the world in the middle of a pandemic when millions stand on the brink of famine is appalling. This callous move highlights a blatant disregard by this government to fulfil its moral duty.

“This is a devastating reminder of the real world impact the Government’s politically motivated decision to abandon its manifesto commitment on aid will have on the world’s most vulnerable people.

“Ministers must take long overdue action to stop arms sales to Saudi Arabia and in the Budget later this week, the Chancellor has a chance to emphasise Britain’s proud position as a country which supports those in need by reversing his decision to make the UK the only G7 nation to cut its aid budget.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

• On 1^st of March at the United Nations Virtual High-Level Pledging Event for the Humanitarian Situation in Yemen, James Cleverly announced £87m in aid to Yemen over the course of the next financial year.

• According to Mark Lowcock, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, “The UK gave GBP 230 million in 2018 and GBP 200 million in 2019.” At the equivalent conferences
• https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/climate-and-people/yemen-teeters-edge-global-britain-must-reprise-role-responsible/

• Funding to the UN in 2020 was £160 million: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/yemen-new-uk-aid-will-help-stop-the-spread-of-coronavirus

• Overall aid to support Yemeni people in 2020,21 was £214 million: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2021-01-14/137905