It’s already begun. Shop windows decorated with tinsel, winter jumpers, festive songs creeping their way on to the radio – it's not even December, and Christmas feels like it’s well on its way.
But for countries in debt crisis, peace and good-will is being obstructed by rich countries and wealthy banks. Recent research found that 17 million more people could access safe drinking water, if debts were slashed.
Right now, we have a unique opportunity to change that – because this government made a pledge to “tackle unsustainable debt” and it’s up to us to make them keep their promise.
That’s why we’ve decided to give Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, a Christmas he won’t forget by delivering a giant petition calling for debt cancellation, in the form of a Christmas card, right to his door. The more of us that add our name, the more powerful our message will be.
We’re in the biggest debt crisis in thirty years. Every day, millions of people around the world are denied justice – including the 5 million children who could attend school if debt was cancelled.
2025 presents a big chance for action. 90% of lower-income country debts owed to private lenders are overseen by UK law, and we’ve got the chance to win a new debt justice law that could see debts cancelled.
Major international meetings in 2025 will be key opportunities for us to demand debt cancellation, it’s a pivotal moment to put our demands at the top of the political agenda.
There’s rarely been a more urgent moment to stand with our allies across the globe. In the words of Zambian activist Precious Kalombwana:
“We are calling global north countries to stand with us, to fight with us, to demand debt cancellation, to demand debt justice.”
Will you sign the Christmas card to Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and ask him to deliver debt cancellation by introducing a new debt justice law in 2025?
