The Church of Scotland, Baptist, United Reformed Church, Methodist Church in Ireland and Methodist Church in Britain leaders said while there is a case for increased defence spending, this should not come at the cost of “vital humanitarian and development programmes”.
“Our churches have strongly encouraged and supported the UK in its commitment to international development, not only as a way of showing care to our global neighbours, but in recognition of the UK’s historic and ongoing responsibilities to address the causes of global injustice, poverty, forced migration, climate change and conflict.
“While there is a case to be made for increasing defence spending to support Ukraine in resisting Russian aggression, that shouldn’t come at the cost of vital humanitarian and development programmes, which play a crucial role in promoting human security around the world.
Cutting the UK’s aid budget will have a “devastating impact” on the lives of people in the world’s poorest communities, church leaders have warned.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, representatives from five different churches called on the UK Government to “rethink its decision” to slash the international development budget in order to fund an increase in defence spending.
