SALFORD ACTIVISTS HEAD TO PARLIAMENT TO URGE SALFORD MP REBECCA LONG-BAILEY MP TO END EXTREME HUNGER CRISIS IN EAST AFRICA

On 27th February, Salford residents Abimbola Ajala and Michael Sheridan met with Rebecca Long-Bailey to push the government to urgently step up the UK’s response to the hunger emergency in East Africa at a Westminster event, organised by anti-poverty organisations The ONE Campaign, Action Against Hunger, The Aid Alliance, Oxfam, Save the Children, UNICEF, RESULTS UK, Plan International, CARE International, and VSO.

They spoke with the MP about Salford Somali and Ogade communities who might have family impacted by this emergency, and the severity of the crisis, urging her to escalate the matter in Parliament and write a letter to The Chancellor, to encourage the government to increase the UK AID budget (which has been reduced by 80% since 2017) and support the millions of people impacted by the extreme levels of food insecurity.

Of her work in Africa, Abimbola, said:

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“Nothing prepared me for the hunger emergency I was able to encounter as I personally worked with children in low income communities in Africa.”

The event was opened by Conservative MP Vicky Ford and Labour MP Hilary Benn, and saw speeches made by Development and Africa Minister Andrew Mitchell MP, Mustafa Ibrahim, from the Horn Of Africa and Shadow Secretary of State for International Development Preet Gill MP.

Michael, said:

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“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.”

Whilst speaking to Abimbola and Michael, Rebecca, said:

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“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.”

Photo ©: Anna Gordon - Abimbola Ajala and Michael Sheridan in the House of Commons