My name is David and I am an ordinary resident of North Tyneside, trying to make ends meat. The rising cost of living in the UK is a pressing issue that affects millions of others across our country. Each day feels like a struggle to manage basic necessities while energy prices and housing costs soar to unprecedented levels. Meanwhile, our government continues to allocate significant funds to support the war in Ukraine.

While I sympathize with the need for global peace and humanitarian aid, at this moment, our priority must be addressing the financial hardships here at home. The number of people relying on food banks has tripled in the last year, and over 22% of families are living in poverty. These are unacceptable statistics, and it's time for leaders like Andy Burnham to focus their efforts on resolving these pressing domestic issues.

It is crucial for government officials, especially those who represent us, to stand up and reallocate our resources to address the immediate needs of struggling families and vulnerable individuals. We propose that the funds currently being allocated to overseas military aid could instead be redirected towards financial support programs, energy relief initiatives, and housing assistance for the UK population. By doing so, our government would not only be addressing a humanitarian problem but also fostering a stable and supportive environment for its citizens.

We need policies that are fair and prioritise citizens’ well-being over foreign engagements. Join me in urging Andy Burnham to turn his focus to the urgent issue of cost of living in the UK. We need solutions and initiatives that soothe the economic burdens of our communities.

Please sign this petition to demand a reassessment of funding allocations and a focused investment in solving our domestic challenges.