Dear [MP]

As your constituent I am writing to ask you to support the amendment to the Advanced Research and Invention Agency bill, which introduces a new clause reversing the aid cuts. The report stage in the House of Commons is on Monday. It is our understanding that Theresa May, MP, is leading a Conservative group backing this amendment.

We understand the need for the UK to cut back on spending after recent unprecedented financial pressures. However, we believe that foreign aid, used effectively, means building relationships that can translate into later trade opportunities.
One such example is twinning partnerships. This involves pairing healthcare professionals and hospitals in the UK with partners in low-income countries to support agreed development needs. This create sustainable change. It also brings leadership skills and new ways of working back to the UK (as advocated by Lord Crisp). Aid money is only required for the partnership’s administration. A little money thus goes a long way, bringing immense benefits both overseas and within the UK.

In March, the FCDO, in reply to a letter from several Royal Medical Colleges praised the efficiency and effectiveness of their partnership projects, stating that those would not be affected by the forthcoming cuts:
“The collaborative partnerships that you have established are a proven model for driving progress in global health by both building the capacity of health workforces in countries like Myanmar and bringing new skills and knowledge back to the NHS… the UK Partnerships for Health Systems programme will not be affected by the above-mentioned suspension [of UK Aid to Myanmar].
This problem is not restricted to Myanmar. The planned cuts necessitate immediate termination of ongoing projects in many of the world’s poorest countries. This is devastating to the people involved and reduces both trust in Britain as a partner and Britain’s status as a global influencer.

Reversing the aid cuts is both important and urgent. I sincerely hope you will support this amendment on Monday.