In response to the hunger crisis in East Africa, activists and residents from Manchester went to parliament to push Rebecca Long Bailey MP for more support.
On 27 February, activists Abimbola Ajala and Michael Sheridan met with Labour MP Rebecca Long Bailey, requesting the government set up more funding to support the hunger emergency in East Africa at a Westminster event.
People across East Africa in Ethiopia, South Sudan, Kenya, and Somalia are facing severe hunger and the threat of famine because of a deadly combination of factors: conflict, climate-induced weather shocks, and COVID-19.
A statement from the United Nations mentions that famine is “at the door” in Somalia. By June 2023, the number of people with serious levels of hunger is expected to double to 727,000.
There are family members of residents in Manchester’s Somali and Ogaden communities impacted by this incident. Activists suggested Ms Long Bailey highlight this crisis in parliament and write to the Chancellor, in order to increase the UK aid budget.
A similar crisis was last seen in 2017 in East Africa, when the UK government provided £861 million to reduce the worst impacts and saved thousands of lives. However, this time the government has spent £156 million so far, which has been cut by 80%.
Michael said: “This is a global emergency and it’s absolutely crucial that it’s addressed now. This crisis shows, yet again, that the countries least responsible for the impacts of the climate crisis are continuing to suffer the worst effects.
“Empathy should not be selective: it’s about time the government showed the level of compassion and support it did to the people of Ukraine, to the people of other continents.”
The new government budget plan came out last week, announced by Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt. He highlighted more support will be provided to local charities and Ukraine, while there is no specific plan for the people suffering in Africa.
Ms Long Bailey said: “We must ensure that the UK takes urgent action to help end hunger in East Africa. It is not just morally right thing to do, it is essential for global equality and stability.”
Conservative MP Vicky Ford and Labour MP Hilary Benn opened this event, with speeches made by others including Development and Africa Minister Andrew Mitchell MP, and Shadow Secretary of State for International Development Preet Gill MP.
The event was organised by The ONE Campaign, Action Against Hunger, The Aid Alliance, Oxfam, Save the Children, UNICEF, RESULTS UK, Plan International, CARE International, and VSO.
Image: Abimbola Ajala and Michael Sheridan in the House of Commons. Photo by Anna Gordon
