Shivani Raja MP for Conservative Home: Britain’s commitment to Nepal is not just about altruism, but mutual prosperity
The only gain for the Conservatives at the 2024 general election, Shivani Raja is the MP for Leicester East.
As the Member of Parliament for one of the UK’s most diverse constituencies, Leicester East, I am constantly reminded of the rich connections our communities have to the wider world.
Representing such a vibrant area has reinforced my belief in the transformative power of international development – not just for the countries we partner with, but for the UK itself. My recent visit to Nepal with the Coalition for Global Prosperity was a powerful reminder of why Britain must remain steadfast in its commitment to international development
Over four days, our cross-party delegation visited Kathmandu, Panauti, and Melamchi. We saw first-hand how British expertise and funding are making a tangible difference in people’s lives while strengthening the UK’s position as a force for good in the world.
Nepal, a country with which the UK shares a relationship dating back to 1816, offers a remarkable case study of the potential impact of well-targeted development efforts. From our initial meeting with the UK’s Ambassador to Nepal, Rob Fenn, and the Head of Development at the Embassy, it was clear how deeply rooted our ties are.
Through institutions like the British Council, we are contributing to Nepal’s future by investing in education and empowering women and girls. In a country wedged between India and China – this is a demonstrable example of UK soft power at its finest
One of the most inspiring moments of the trip was our visit to the Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN), supported by the Christian Blind Mission. BYAN’s work with marginalised youth underscores a universal truth: when young people are given the tools to thrive, they unlock their full potential and contribute to the fabric of their communities, just like I have seen firsthand within my own journey in business at home.
Our connection with Nepal is perhaps most famously embodied by the Gurkhas, who make up nearly 5 per cent of the British Army. During a dinner with the Gurkha Welfare Trust (GWT), I was struck by the depth of their dedication to Gurkha veterans and their families. Later, at a GWT Area Welfare Centre, I saw the life-saving work of their medical teams up close—a poignant reminder of the lasting bond between our two nations.
While Kathmandu offered insight into the strategic and humanitarian dimensions of our partnership, our field visits to Panauti and Melamchi highlighted the transformative power of grassroots development.
In Panauti, we visited a maternal health clinic working with the Eleanor Crook Foundation to provide pregnant women with Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS). These supplements not only improve maternal and infant health outcomes but enable mothers to return to work sooner, boosting household incomes and local economies.
As someone who has juggled the demands of business and family, I was deeply moved by the clinic’s holistic approach. It is a testament to the idea that empowering women means empowering entire communities. And when communities are empowered, countries can thrive and come to rely less on external support.
In Melamchi, we saw the critical role of communication in disaster resilience. At a BBC Media Action radio station, we learned how impartial information saved lives during the 2015 earthquake and more recent floods. In an era of rampant misinformation, the station’s work in distributing trusted, life-saving information is nothing short of heroic. The visit reinforced my belief in the importance of supporting free and accurate media—an essential pillar of stable and prosperous societies.
Another highlight was a roundtable hosted by British International Investment, which showcased how development investment can support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nepal. This is not just charity—it is smart economics, and good business. By helping Nepali SMEs thrive, we create markets for British goods and services and deliver returns for taxpayers back home.
As I reflect on our visit, I am reminded of the profound connection between local and global. The stories I heard in Nepal—of resilience, innovation, and hope—echo the aspirations of the communities I represent in the UK. Whether it is a young entrepreneur in Kathmandu or a shopkeeper in my constituency, people everywhere want the same things: opportunities to succeed, safe environments for their families, and a sense of dignity in their lives.
Britain’s commitment to international development is not just about altruism; it is about mutual prosperity. Through partnerships like those we witnessed in Nepal, we strengthen our global standing, foster economic opportunities, and champion the values of democracy, equality, and freedom.
As a Conservative MP, I am proud that our party played, and will continue to play, a leading role in this work. By investing in global development, we are not only changing lives abroad but also enriching our own communities here in the UK. This trip to Nepal reaffirmed that development is not just a moral imperative—it is a strategic one.
Our journey may have ended, but the lessons I’ve brought home will continue to guide my work in Parliament and beyond. It is my hope that we can all see the value in building bridges—across borders, across parties, and across communities—for a more prosperous and connected world.
This article was first published in ConservativeHome on the 13th January 2025.
