Moazzam Malik

Working for a more just, sustainable world ~ CEO @savechildrenuk ~ Chair @muslimcharities ~ ex FCDO/DFID/UK Amb Jakarta, WRI ~ #YNWA/پاکستان cricket

[Moazzam Malik @MoazzamTMalik]

Back-to-school can be an exciting time. A chance to be with and make new friends, to experience new opportunities, to learn and grow. But it is also a cause of stress for many parents.

Our new survey finds that parents are going without things for themselves, while others are using savings and working extra hours to cope with the costs of uniform, shoes and rucksacks.

The UK Government is expanding free school meals in England and has introduced new rules on uniform designed to limit the number of branded items. However back-to-school costs are proving to be a concern for families across almost all income levels and particularly for those with older children.

@savechildrenuk is playing its part to support parents, including by providing cash grants to for particularly vulnerable families.

We call on @andyburnham to build on and implement the Government’s (very good) Child Poverty Strategy to deliver a better future for children across our country.

[Save the Children UK @savechildrenuk]

NEW: Almost half of parents are worried about the price of school uniform, data from Save the Children and the @BabyBnkAlliance has shown.

Uniform, shoes and rucksacks can be extremely expensive, especially for larger families, and it can be hard to buy everything that’s needed especially when many parents are fresh from trying to fund days out and activities.

The UK Government has made a good start by limiting branded items to reduce costs but the cost-of-living crisis is still making life hard for families.

We need to get back to what uniforms were meant to do: keep things simple, fair and affordable, so no child is left feeling excluded because of cost.

[Save the Children UK @savechildrenuk]

The Foreign Secretary's confirmation that the UK will set out a comprehensive set of measures in the coming weeks is encouraging.

This must include decisive action to end the Israeli occupation which is destroying Palestinian childhoods, including by banning trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

The measures must also respond to the ongoing atrocities being committed against Palestinian children in Gaza, where at least 18 children have been killed this month alone.

[Moazzam Malik @MoazzamTMalik]

The impacts of the climate crisis, conflicts, pandemics and spiralling rising cost-of-living, alongside a global retreat on funding, have had a devastating impact on children's lives the world over. In an interconnected world, Britain’s security and prosperity also depends on investment with partners abroad as well as at home.

@andyburnham and @Ed_Miliband have an opportunity to renew the UK's approach to international cooperation, one that is fit for our needs and a changing world.

A credible path to restoring the development budget would be an important place to start.

[caroline wheeler @cazjwheeler]

Exclusive: Andy Burnham and his Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband have privately committed to reversing cuts to Britain’s foreign aid budget - in a move likely to heap further pressure of the Treasury to raise taxes.

The i Paper understands that the pair have privately indicated that they support finding a route back to spending 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI) on international aid. However, no timeframe has yet been put on how long it will take before the spending commitment can be met.

Both Burnham and Miliband have historically been vocal supporters of the 0.7% target, with Burnham explicitly defending it during the 2010 Labour leadership contest and Miliband backing the commitment as Labour leader. A Government source said: “They both understand why meeting the commitment is important,” while another said they had both privately indicated their intention to find a route back to meeting the target.

A full return to the 0.7% aid target would eventually imply a substantial increase in spending compared with the planned 0.3% level - roughly £13bn a year on current economic projections.
But there is no suggestion that ministers would have to restore the full amount in a single year. A phased increase could spread the cost over several years, with each step dependent on the fiscal outlook.

Miliband has signalled that he intends to put international development and climate policy at the centre of his foreign policy. On taking office, he said Britain would work with other countries to tackle the climate crisis, strengthen partnerships on international development and reform international institutions so they deliver for the world's poorest people.

When asked about Burnham’s support for reinstating the 0.7% target, a No10 source pointed to Labour’s 2024 manifesto, which states that the party is “committed to restoring development spending at the level of 0.7% of GNI as soon as fiscal circumstances allow.”

Story 👇

[Moazzam Malik @MoazzamTMalik]

On #WorldHumanitarianDay, let’s take a moment to reflect.

Humanitarians are under attack. More than 1,000 aid workers have been killed in the last three years, many more have been wounded, kidnapped and detained.

Despite these dangers – and despite the fact that in places like Sudan, Ukraine, Gaza, their own families are in need – they keep striving to support vulnerable communities.

I have met countless colleagues and partners who refuse to retreat. Last year, despite the risks, and despite aid cuts by rich countries, we reached more than 37.8 million children. I’m in awe of their resilience and their determination to get children fed, in school, healthy, and safe.

Yet governments continue to be complicit in the breakdown of humanitarian law. They are not protecting humanitarian workers. They are not stopping attacks on civilian infrastructure. They are turning a blind eye to the political and administrative barriers that prevent aid from reaching civilians. Violations of international law continue without serious redress.

Governments rarely act unless citizens demand it. So this year – in honour of colleagues that have paid the ultimate price and the communities they serve – let’s ask ourselves whether we are doing our part? Next time you talk to or write to your elected representative, ask them where they stand. Ask them what they are doing to defend international law. Tell them this is not acceptable. Tell them: Not in my name. Tell them #NotATarget.

Because the moment we stop insisting that every child deserves protection, we begin losing something far greater than humanitarian access. We begin losing our humanity.

[IDA - World Bank @WBG_IDA]

"1 in 5 children live in fragile & conflict-affected states & @WBG_IDA is absolutely critical for their future"—@MoazzamTMalik, CEO @savechildrenuk.

#IDAworks delivers support where it is needed most, helping reduce fragility & reinforce global security. https://t.co/0ZWMqjtn3S

[Moazzam Malik @MoazzamTMalik]

We are launching something exciting with The Odyssey film star Himesh Patel tomorrow. Keep an eye out!

[Save the Children UK @savechildrenuk]

Fresh off the back of starring in @odysseymovie, we are excited to announce that the incredible Himesh Patel is narrating our new animated short film called Elephant In The Room. 🐘

A massive thank you to Himesh for his support. 🫶

Keep an eye out for the film when it drops across all of our social media channels tomorrow! 👀

#ElephantInTheRoom #Animation #Poverty #SummerHolidays

[Save the Children UK @savechildrenuk]

Yesterday evening, a drone strike damaged a Save the Children warehouse in Ukraine containing humanitarian supplies for children and families, including hygiene kits, winter support kits, furniture for kindergarten and school shelters, as well as backpacks filled with school supplies that were due to be distributed to displaced children before the start of the new school year.

Fortunately, no staff were harmed, but the warehouse was severely damaged.

We are working to minimise disruption to planned distributions to ensure children and families continue to receive the support they need.

Ass we assess the losses, one thing is clear: children continue to pay the price for this war.

#StopTheWarOnChildren

[Moazzam Malik @MoazzamTMalik]

Last week the Prime Minister @andyburnham visited the Meadows Nursery in north Sheffield to launch his new devolution deal for English mayors.

The nursery is a pioneering partnership between @savechildrenuk, @sheffhallamuni, @SheffCouncil, and Watercliffe Meadow Primary School. The progress being made there for children and communities shows the power of partnerships and local knowledge in targeting resources to improve childhoods.

With a new devolution deal now on the table, we hope to see rapid progress for children. We hope English mayors will focus their new spending powers on families who need the most support, to lift as many children out of poverty as possible. By investing in children, Mayors will see better educational attainment, job prospects, and living standards in their areas. They will power our country forward.

At Save the Children we're already forging ahead with the @SouthYorksMCA and other partners with a new pilot £500,000 child lens investment fund. We hope this can be a blueprint for regional spending models to support children in other areas.

This is a pivotal moment to demonstrate the power and impact of local government. We will keep pressing newly empowered local leaders to do the best they can for all our children.

[Save the Children UK @savechildrenuk]

We were delighted to welcome Prime Minister Andy Burnham to the Meadows Nursery in Sheffield, a pioneering partnership between Save the Children, Sheffield Hallam, Sheffield City Council and Watercliffe Meadow Primary School.

As well as meeting some of the feistiest toddlers around, who insisted on high fives and showing the PM their craft skills, he was there to launch his new devolution plan, with Chancellor John Healey and First Secretary of State, Louise Haigh.

The deal enables English mayors to keep a share of the taxes collected in their area which they can spend on local communities. The mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard, who was there to support the devolution plan is already working closely with Save the Children on our joint child-focused investment fund and a regional child poverty action plan.

We hope now that with more money staying within each English region, mayors will take the opportunity to tackle child poverty and invest to give children a better start in life.

[Save the Children UK @savechildrenuk]

@andyburnham's bold devolution plans have the potential to improve children's lives around the country.

We need to see increased funding and power for mayors, so that they can invest in things like improving childcare and truly tackle child poverty. Today is an encouraging start to that shift.

The result could mean Mayors have budgets to set up funds that support community efforts, just as we've done in South Yorkshire with our Dream Big Fund, and more powers to co-ordinate childcare services across their regions in order to make sure these are affordable, help children's development and make it easier for parents to work.

[Save the Children UK @savechildrenuk]

Three children were killed in Ukraine last night in a Russian air raid. Despite playing no part in the conflict, these children have paid the highest price.

All parties must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.

In other words: Stop. Bombing. Children.

[Save the Children Global Media @Save_GlobalNews]

JAPAN: When earthquakes hit, children are among the most vulnerable. Following the earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, @scjapan is preparing emergency kits with play and hygiene supplies for affected children, so they can stay safe, play, and recover.

[Moazzam Malik @MoazzamTMalik]

Tackling the climate crisis and global inequality / development are essential to ensure the UK’s long-term prosperity and security. I am delighted to see that Ed Miliband is putting that at the heart of his approach to the future of UK international cooperation.

None of us are safe whilst diseases and climate impacts cross borders at will. Britain is sweltering in unprecedented heatwaves. Global conflict is driving up the cost of daily life.

For the UK to fulfil this promise to put the care of people at the heart of everything, we must now build coalitions with partners to provide progressive leadership on the world stage.

Doing so would not only help protect children most impacted by the climate crisis, poverty and conflict but also demonstrate the UK's commitment to the values and international obligations it has long talked about. In an interconnected world, an active and progressive approach to international cooperation is firmly in the UK’s national interest and in line with our values.

[Ed Miliband @Ed_Miliband]

International development is central to foreign policy.

As UK Governor to @WorldBankGroup, I'll take personal leadership of the UK's work on development and climate.

Working with @kirstyjmcneill, we'll ensure the UK plays a leading role.

https://t.co/oU3rummKXs

[Amnesty UK @AmnestyUK]

More than 70 attacks on UK mosques were recorded in the past year.

No one should feel unsafe attending their place of worship.

https://t.co/vgdra2nCnL

[Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) @muslimcharities]

For Britain to be a true force for good, national renewal and global leadership can't be separated. 🇬🇧
Our latest article sets out what a Burnham-style vision must confront: restoring the UK's commitment to international development and the 0.7% aid target, building genuine partnerships with civil society, and taking decisive action against far-right extremism and anti-Muslim hatred.

Rebuilding trust at home and standing in solidarity abroad go hand in hand.

Read it here 👉 https://t.co/DNvmsXhnac

#CivilSociety
#InternationalDevelopment #MuslimCharities

[Save the Children Global Media @Save_GlobalNews]

Israeli forces have killed 19 Palestinian children across the occupied Palestinian territory so far in July, including four children killed overnight in a strike south of Gaza City, despite a ceasefire that has been in place for nine months.
https://t.co/DBLv7S6uib

[Patrick Wintour @patrickwintour]

Ed Miliband says below there is a conflict in the Middle East and an illegal war in Ukraine. So long as that remains the broad frame, UK foreign policy is exposed to the familiar charge of double standards.
Am assured EM did not know he was going to be FS until recently, and so he deserves some time to consider a more sophisticated approach. True respect for international law and the institutions that uphold such laws requires the consistent application of the same criteria to all events, or an explanation of why the specific events do not bear comparison.

[Moazzam Malik @MoazzamTMalik]

Congratulations @andyburnham on becoming Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Almost 1 in 4 children in our country are growing up in poverty. And almost 1 in 5 around the world are growing up in areas affected by conflict.

@savechildrenuk enjoyed working with you as Mayor in Greater Manchester.

We look forward to continuing to work together urgently now to tackle child poverty in the UK and around the world.

A better future for children is critical for all our futures.

[Save the Children UK @savechildrenuk]

Congratulations @andyburnham on becoming the new Prime Minister.

Please make sure your door is always open for children and families, like it has been up to this point in your role as the Mayor of Greater Manchester.

We hope you work tirelessly to put children at the heart of policy making, and give them the childhoods they deserve and the foundations to reach their full potential.

[Moazzam Malik @MoazzamTMalik]

For many families, summer isn't just about time off school - it's weeks of making stretched budgets go further to make sure children don't miss out.

Our colleagues heard from parents who avoid trips to the park because they can't afford an ice cream or worry about saying 'no' to the small things that make childhood special.

@savechildrenuk is playing its part by providing cash grants, advice, support and holiday activities and food for kids. We call on the incoming Prime Minister to keep children’s needs front and centre and continue to build on the ambitions of the Child Poverty Strategy.

[Save the Children UK @savechildrenuk]

🚨 NEW: Almost nine in 10 parents say they feel financial and emotional pressure of the school summer holidays, new polling for Save the Children by @OpiniumResearch shows.

No parent should be facing a summer of stress and worry, and no child should dread holidays. But sadly, our survey of 2,000 parents has shown cost of living pressures are whittling down family budgets, even for high earners.

And for those on the very lowest incomes, it is clear there is no summer break from poverty.

Find out how you can help or get support during the school holidays here: https://t.co/bYqNnvTxHA

[Save the Children Northern Ireland @SCUKNI]

Vast majority of parents here feel financial pressure every summer - our poll paints a snapshot of the summer strain many families live with. https://t.co/sF4f46zyZk

[England @England]

We are completely heartbroken that our dream ends here, but so proud of this group, our staff and you – our amazing fans.

Your support in North America and back home has been nothing short of incredible. Thank you.