Fury Erupts as David Lammy Sends £20M to Sudan While Brits Struggle to Make Ends Meet

David Lammy recently visited Chad, where he announced that £20 million would be allocated to support Sudanese refugees. However, this decision has sparked controversy in the UK, with Richard Tice, the Deputy Leader of Reform UK, strongly criticizing the move.

Tice argued that the UK is facing its own economic struggles, with many citizens struggling to afford basic necessities. Speaking to the Daily Express, he said, “The UK is going broke. We need to stop funding overseas projects championed by the Prime Minister and David Lammy when millions of British people are struggling.

Tice questioned why the government prioritizes spending on international aid rather than addressing issues faced by British citizens. He called for a focus on improving the lives of people at home rather than aiding “illegal migrants and overseas populations.”

The Foreign Office responded by explaining that the £20 million will be used to support food production and provide critical sexual and reproductive health services for Sudanese refugees. The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has escalated due to ongoing violence and famine, displacing millions of people.

David Lammy defended the aid package, emphasizing the severity of the situation. “Sudanese people are experiencing unimaginable violence and suffering. This is the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, with millions forced to flee their homes due to conflict, atrocities, and extreme famine,” he said.

Lammy stressed that ignoring Sudan’s crisis would lead to greater instability and increase irregular migration to Europe and the UK. He added that the government’s Plan for Change addresses the root causes of migration while ensuring the UK’s borders remain secure.

Lammy also visited the Chad-Sudan border town of Adré, where he witnessed firsthand the dire conditions refugees are facing. He urged the international community to take swift action to prevent further loss of life and suffering. “The UK will not abandon Sudan. Turning our backs on this crisis would be unforgivable,” he stated.

While the aid announcement has been criticized domestically, it highlights the difficult balance between addressing global humanitarian crises and focusing on domestic priorities.