I WISH to address Godfrey Bloom, MEP, as I am a trustee for International Service, an international development organisation within his constituency, and as a graduate of the International Citizen Service scheme, a government-funded international development scheme whereby young people from the UK volunteer abroad.

I represent a growing body of young people who engage in international politics and care about social justice in our world.

I was dismayed to hear Mr Bloom’s comments on UK foreign aid. I found his remarks morally reprehensible and I was disappointed by his inability to understand why his words caused such offence.

I would like to point out that the bongo is a drum originating in Cuba. As the UK spends less than two per cent of its aid budget on the whole of the Americas, it is unusual that Mr Bloom would choose the bongo to represent every foreign country which receives foreign aid.

We live in a country where we have access to basic human rights and freedoms, and International Service is one of many organisations trying to realise these fundamental rights for everyone.

On behalf of International Service I would like to invite Mr Bloom to our office in York to learn more about international development work.

Miss Leila Asrari, Trustee – International Service, York, on behalf of: Alumni Board, International Service, Board of Trustees, International Service.