Brexit would harm efforts to tackle global poverty, UK aid figures warn

Former UN leaders and charity chiefs publish letter warning attempts to combat poverty and climate change would be damaged by leaving the EU

Some of the most prestigious figures in UK overseas aid, including former United Nations leaders, aid charity chiefs and development advisers to the government, have warned that withdrawal from the European Union would diminish Britain's role in the world and set back British efforts to tackle global poverty and climate change.

The letter, unlike earlier campaign letters published this week from businessmen and military chiefs, has not been coordinated by Downing Street and is aimed more at a liberal audience dubious that Britain's internationalist role would be diminished if it left the EU.