Tell your MP to support debt justice legislation
Copy and edit the letter below to make it more personal. Then email, or print and send to your MP. Please, let us know if you have by emailing campaigns@christian-aid.org
Please, let us know if you have taken this action by emailing campaigns@christian-aid.org
Dear [YOUR MP'S NAME]
My name is [YOUR NAME]
I’m writing to you as my MP to share my concerns about the growing global debt crisis that is trapping millions of people in poverty around the world. It is time to put life before debt.
Unjust debts are destroying lower-income countries' ability to invest in education and healthcare while private lenders profit. As Zambian activist Precious Kalombwana says,
‘‘The debt crisis in Zambia is severely affecting our communities. We can’t afford to eat three times a day, and we can’t afford to address the devastating impacts of the climate crisis affecting us. Instead of supporting Zambian people, the global north is allowing companies like BlackRock to profiteer from our debt. We need urgent debt cancellation so we can prioritise the needs of my people, not the profits of private companies.’
Lower income country’s debt payments have rocketed to a 30-year high, and private lenders stand to make a huge profit. Asset manager BlackRock are the largest owner of Zambia’s bonds. And, according to research by Christian Aid and Debt Justice, they could make $2.1 billion profit on its loans to countries in or at high risk of debt distress.
Like Christian Aid I believe every person has inherent dignity and worth. Unjust debts are denying people the dignity of life free from poverty, whilst private lenders profits continue to grow. We must stand in solidarity with people living at the sharp end of this crisis and use our power to end this injustice.
It’s time for the UK Government to use its power so that private-lenders, can’t enrich themselves whilst high debts devastate communities. Nearly 90% of the debts owed by lower-income countries to private lenders are governed under English law. That gives the UK Government a significant lever to help end unjust debt cycles and protect investment in education and healthcare.
As my representative in Parliament, will you please support solutions that prioritise people and planet and:
Write to the Chancellor outlining your constituents support for debt legislation, and ask what steps her department is taking to support the passage of the Debt Relief (Developing Countries) Bill.
Speak to Bambos Charalambous, MP, about the Debt Relief (Developing Countries) Bill which he has sponsored, and which will be reintroduced in the new parliamentary session following the King's speech in May.
With thanks,
[YOUR NAME]
