The Evangelical Alliance releases statement from CEO Gavin Calver, on government’s decision to slash aid to pay for defence spending

Gavin Calver, CEO of the Evangelical Alliance said of the decision: “War in Europe has been our reality for the last three years. In that time, the UK has welcomed refugees and sought to help our allies to withstand the aggressions of an invader. Difficult decisions have been made and we are in no doubt that even harder decisions lie ahead.

But difficult decisions need wisdom not expediency.

Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to cut UK aid to fund our defence spending is an expedient decision but one that will make the world more unsafe. The UK government’s primary obligation to its citizens is security. By cutting aid, the government demonstrates its failure to recognise that our security is a global issue, not a national one. The UK’s commitment to support other nations’ development has long-term benefit on a global scale. The biblical principle to share one’s wealth with those who have less is how we seek the peace and prosperity both for others and also for ourselves. Cutting aid for those in fragile states will lead to further destabilisation and conflict. We have seen it before, and we will see it here unless the UK government rethinks its actions.

I’m praying for peace. I’m praying for prosperity and welfare for all. I will continue to pray Psalm 72 over our prime minister and the UK government; for the gift of wisdom and justice, so that they will stand up for the poor and help those most in need. And I pray especially for those who will be damaged and harmed by this decision, that God’s kindness and mercy will shield them where we have failed to.”

Notes to editors

Gavin Calver is available for interview on request.

To arrange please contact Nicola Morrison at: [email protected] or [email protected]

About the Evangelical Alliance

We are the Evangelical Alliance. We join together hundreds of organisations, thousands of churches and tens of thousands of individuals for the sake of the gospel. Representing our members since 1846, the Evangelical Alliance is the oldest and largest evangelical unity movement in the UK.

We love Jesus and we want everyone in the UK to be given an opportunity to know Him.

We love His church, and we will do all we can to unite evangelicals, building confidence in the gospel and speaking as a trusted voice into society to see it changed for Him.

Working across the UK, with offices in London, Cardiff, Glasgow and Belfast, our members come together from across denominations, locations, age groups and ethnicities, all sharing a passion to know Jesus and make Him known.