Message of support from Douglas Alexander MP, UK Secretary of State for International Development
Dear Marie Stopes International supporters
I’d like to send this short note of sincere thanks for the hard work you have done over the past year.
I have huge admiration for people who have turned compassion for the billions of children, women and men who live abject poverty in developing countries, into practical support for changing those lives. There has been immense progress over recent years – more children getting good educations, better health care, growing democracy. But as I have seen first hand during my travels, so much remains to be done.
We’ll all feel the impact of the global economic downturn during 2009, but nobody more acutely than those already living on the edge. Those, for whom $1 a day must feed their family, pay school fees, buy essential medicines. I’m proud of the UK’s leadership on international development and our continued determination to fight poverty at home and abroad.
I’m also proud to be in partnership with Marie Stopes International in the fight against world poverty. Seasonal greetings and best wishes for 2009.
DOUGLAS ALEXANDER
Department for International Development (DFID)