Heidi Chow
@heidichow.bsky.social
Executive director at Debt Justice (formerly Jubilee Debt Campaign)
Personal tweets
#CancelTheDebt
Personal tweets
#CancelTheDebt
Reposted by Heidi Chow
Meet the world’s loan sharks 🦈👇🏾
💸 Fifty-four countries are in debt crisis - while private lenders make vast profits.
🚑 In Africa, 34 countries are spending more on debt than health or education.
It's time to #CancelDebtChooseHope for #DebtJustice
SIGN here >> debtjustice.org.uk/canceldebt
💸 Fifty-four countries are in debt crisis - while private lenders make vast profits.
🚑 In Africa, 34 countries are spending more on debt than health or education.
It's time to #CancelDebtChooseHope for #DebtJustice
SIGN here >> debtjustice.org.uk/canceldebt
November 19, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Meet the world’s loan sharks 🦈👇🏾
💸 Fifty-four countries are in debt crisis - while private lenders make vast profits.
🚑 In Africa, 34 countries are spending more on debt than health or education.
It's time to #CancelDebtChooseHope for #DebtJustice
SIGN here >> debtjustice.org.uk/canceldebt
💸 Fifty-four countries are in debt crisis - while private lenders make vast profits.
🚑 In Africa, 34 countries are spending more on debt than health or education.
It's time to #CancelDebtChooseHope for #DebtJustice
SIGN here >> debtjustice.org.uk/canceldebt
Reposted by Heidi Chow
Scotland chooses debt justice
First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, has announced Scotland’s support for the Cancel Debt Choose Hope campaign
"I raise Scotland's voice in support of finding a fair long-term solution to the global debt crisis."
@scotgov | @ScotGovFM
First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, has announced Scotland’s support for the Cancel Debt Choose Hope campaign
"I raise Scotland's voice in support of finding a fair long-term solution to the global debt crisis."
@scotgov | @ScotGovFM
October 28, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Scotland chooses debt justice
First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, has announced Scotland’s support for the Cancel Debt Choose Hope campaign
"I raise Scotland's voice in support of finding a fair long-term solution to the global debt crisis."
@scotgov | @ScotGovFM
First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, has announced Scotland’s support for the Cancel Debt Choose Hope campaign
"I raise Scotland's voice in support of finding a fair long-term solution to the global debt crisis."
@scotgov | @ScotGovFM
Reposted by Heidi Chow
The UK says tackling Global South debt is a key development priority
But at #FFD4, it blocked progress and watered down Global South demands for debt justice
“They should hang their heads in shame," @heidichow.bsky.social
📢 Full release via Bond: www.bond.org.uk/press-releas...
But at #FFD4, it blocked progress and watered down Global South demands for debt justice
“They should hang their heads in shame," @heidichow.bsky.social
📢 Full release via Bond: www.bond.org.uk/press-releas...
Civil society calls out UK government and rich countries for blocking progress on debt reform ahead of FfD4 | Bond
As the fourth Financing for Development Conference (FfD4) kicks off in Seville this week, civil society organisations and international NGOs are
www.bond.org.uk
June 30, 2025 at 8:10 AM
The UK says tackling Global South debt is a key development priority
But at #FFD4, it blocked progress and watered down Global South demands for debt justice
“They should hang their heads in shame," @heidichow.bsky.social
📢 Full release via Bond: www.bond.org.uk/press-releas...
But at #FFD4, it blocked progress and watered down Global South demands for debt justice
“They should hang their heads in shame," @heidichow.bsky.social
📢 Full release via Bond: www.bond.org.uk/press-releas...
Reposted by Heidi Chow
Tomorrow is UN #FFD4 summit in Seville, we joined 20+ orgs in central London to say: #CancelDebtChooseHope
54 countries in debt crisis yet rich countries are BLOCKING solutions
No one should have to play Jenga with their economy - choosing between public services or debt payments. #SystemChangeNow
54 countries in debt crisis yet rich countries are BLOCKING solutions
No one should have to play Jenga with their economy - choosing between public services or debt payments. #SystemChangeNow
June 29, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Tomorrow is UN #FFD4 summit in Seville, we joined 20+ orgs in central London to say: #CancelDebtChooseHope
54 countries in debt crisis yet rich countries are BLOCKING solutions
No one should have to play Jenga with their economy - choosing between public services or debt payments. #SystemChangeNow
54 countries in debt crisis yet rich countries are BLOCKING solutions
No one should have to play Jenga with their economy - choosing between public services or debt payments. #SystemChangeNow
Reposted by Heidi Chow
It's #SmallCharityWeek! Anything you donate to us this week WILL BE MATCHED, in other words - DOUBLED!
We're raising funds for our #BanTheBailiffs campaign. Councils are sending in bailiffs despite there being no evidence they increase collection rates.
www.debtjustice.org.uk/biggive
We're raising funds for our #BanTheBailiffs campaign. Councils are sending in bailiffs despite there being no evidence they increase collection rates.
www.debtjustice.org.uk/biggive
June 23, 2025 at 11:05 AM
It's #SmallCharityWeek! Anything you donate to us this week WILL BE MATCHED, in other words - DOUBLED!
We're raising funds for our #BanTheBailiffs campaign. Councils are sending in bailiffs despite there being no evidence they increase collection rates.
www.debtjustice.org.uk/biggive
We're raising funds for our #BanTheBailiffs campaign. Councils are sending in bailiffs despite there being no evidence they increase collection rates.
www.debtjustice.org.uk/biggive
Debt swaps are a distraction from actual debt restructuring to tackle the global south debt crisis. New evidence from @debtjustice.bsky.social shows that debt swaps deliver minimal debt reduction, are opaque, costly and risk imposing conservation models that ignore local needs #CancelTheDebt
1/ 🚨 New research out today 🚨
Debt-for-nature swaps do not meaningfully reduce debt levels‼️
They cut countries' debt levels by 7x less than debt restructurings
Full release👉 bit.ly/4jr1yPs
🧵
Debt-for-nature swaps do not meaningfully reduce debt levels‼️
They cut countries' debt levels by 7x less than debt restructurings
Full release👉 bit.ly/4jr1yPs
🧵
Debt-for-nature swaps reduce debt seven times less than debt restructurings - Debt Justice
For more information and interviews contact Jerome Phelps on +44 7817 628196 New research released today by Debt Justice finds that debt-for-nature swaps have on average reduced debt levels by seven t...
bit.ly
May 29, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Debt swaps are a distraction from actual debt restructuring to tackle the global south debt crisis. New evidence from @debtjustice.bsky.social shows that debt swaps deliver minimal debt reduction, are opaque, costly and risk imposing conservation models that ignore local needs #CancelTheDebt
Bailiffs expose how flawed the debt system is. Once you're in debt, the debt system keeps you trapped. Whether you're in debt or not, no one deserves to be humiliated and bullied and then get charged for it. Take action act.debtjustice.org.uk/ban-bailiffs... #BanTheBailiffs
Ban the bailiffs!
When families face unpayable debts, a knock at the door from bailiffs can be hugely traumatising. Council tax debt has soared in recent years, and rates just keep going up. 4.4 million people are now ...
act.debtjustice.org.uk
May 27, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Bailiffs expose how flawed the debt system is. Once you're in debt, the debt system keeps you trapped. Whether you're in debt or not, no one deserves to be humiliated and bullied and then get charged for it. Take action act.debtjustice.org.uk/ban-bailiffs... #BanTheBailiffs
4.4 million people have fallen behind on council tax as rising costs push more households into crisis. Instead of offering support, councils are sending in bailiffs – a punitive, outdated tactic based on intimation that only deepens hardship #BanTheBailiffs
We're in the @theipaper!
The UK must stop using bailiffs to collect council tax debt. It’s completely unjust that the government are using a form of legalized harassment to try and collect debts.
Read more: inews.co.uk/news/council...
The UK must stop using bailiffs to collect council tax debt. It’s completely unjust that the government are using a form of legalized harassment to try and collect debts.
Read more: inews.co.uk/news/council...
Council tax debt soars by 1.2 million people – the areas worst affected, mapped
About 11 per cent of households in Yorkshire and Humber missed a council tax payment between 2022 and 2024, research shows
inews.co.uk
May 27, 2025 at 1:45 PM
4.4 million people have fallen behind on council tax as rising costs push more households into crisis. Instead of offering support, councils are sending in bailiffs – a punitive, outdated tactic based on intimation that only deepens hardship #BanTheBailiffs
Reposted by Heidi Chow
Debt payments are leading to years of austerity
Where debt payments are over 15% of government revenue public spending has been falling since 2015
In Angola, spending on social services has fallen by more than 55% in the last decade
#CancelTheDebt
debtjustice.org.uk/press-releas...
Where debt payments are over 15% of government revenue public spending has been falling since 2015
In Angola, spending on social services has fallen by more than 55% in the last decade
#CancelTheDebt
debtjustice.org.uk/press-releas...
Debt payments lead to falling public spending as austerity bites - Debt Justice
Lower-income country governments cut spending by 5% on average between 2015 and 2023, if they spent over 15% of revenue on external debt payments.
debtjustice.org.uk
April 22, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Debt payments are leading to years of austerity
Where debt payments are over 15% of government revenue public spending has been falling since 2015
In Angola, spending on social services has fallen by more than 55% in the last decade
#CancelTheDebt
debtjustice.org.uk/press-releas...
Where debt payments are over 15% of government revenue public spending has been falling since 2015
In Angola, spending on social services has fallen by more than 55% in the last decade
#CancelTheDebt
debtjustice.org.uk/press-releas...
Reposted by Heidi Chow
There's still one day left to apply to be a trustee at Debt Justice! Trustees are volunteers who play an important role in our governance. The deadline to apply is tomorrow morning at 9am, more details about the role and how to apply here:
debtjustice.org.uk/news/trustee...
debtjustice.org.uk/news/trustee...
April 22, 2025 at 8:47 AM
There's still one day left to apply to be a trustee at Debt Justice! Trustees are volunteers who play an important role in our governance. The deadline to apply is tomorrow morning at 9am, more details about the role and how to apply here:
debtjustice.org.uk/news/trustee...
debtjustice.org.uk/news/trustee...
Reposted by Heidi Chow
US tariffs will intensify the external debt crisis. For 20 lower-income countries with highest external debt payments:
- average tariffs of 18%
- 'weaker' dollar not giving any respite
- bond yields up 1 percentage point
- biggest impact falls in commodity prices
debtjustice.org.uk/blog/us-tari...
- average tariffs of 18%
- 'weaker' dollar not giving any respite
- bond yields up 1 percentage point
- biggest impact falls in commodity prices
debtjustice.org.uk/blog/us-tari...
US tariffs will intensify debt crisis in lower-income countries - Debt Justice
Countries with high debt payments all hit with tariffs No benefit from falling price of dollar Borrowing costs increasing Largest impact will be global downturn hitting export revenues The US’s planne...
debtjustice.org.uk
April 4, 2025 at 3:10 PM
US tariffs will intensify the external debt crisis. For 20 lower-income countries with highest external debt payments:
- average tariffs of 18%
- 'weaker' dollar not giving any respite
- bond yields up 1 percentage point
- biggest impact falls in commodity prices
debtjustice.org.uk/blog/us-tari...
- average tariffs of 18%
- 'weaker' dollar not giving any respite
- bond yields up 1 percentage point
- biggest impact falls in commodity prices
debtjustice.org.uk/blog/us-tari...
Reposted by Heidi Chow
We are looking for new Trustees to join our board and help strengthen our work to challenge poverty and inequality caused by unjust debt. Find out more and how to apply here: www.debtjustice.org.uk/trustee
March 20, 2025 at 2:12 PM
We are looking for new Trustees to join our board and help strengthen our work to challenge poverty and inequality caused by unjust debt. Find out more and how to apply here: www.debtjustice.org.uk/trustee
Slashing the disability benefits budget is cruel and pointless. People with disabilities are already more likely to be in debt, especially in the face of soaring cost of essentials. These vicious cuts will plunge even more people into unpayable debt and poverty debtjustice.org.uk/press-releas...
Response to the publication of the government’s green paper on welfare reform - Debt Justice
For more information and interviews contact Toby Murray on +44 7593 263947 Responding to the publication of the government’s green paper on welfare reform, Heidi Chow, Executive Director of Debt Justi...
debtjustice.org.uk
March 18, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Slashing the disability benefits budget is cruel and pointless. People with disabilities are already more likely to be in debt, especially in the face of soaring cost of essentials. These vicious cuts will plunge even more people into unpayable debt and poverty debtjustice.org.uk/press-releas...
Michael Sheen’s “heist” of buying and cancelling people’s debts is an inspiring act of solidarity and exposes how debt is hardwired into the economy. We need government action to tackle the household debt crisis @debtjustice.bsky.social letter in @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/culture/2025...
www.theguardian.com/culture/2025...
Michael Sheen’s kindness shows how cruel the credit business is | Letters
Letters: Readers respond to the news that the actor has paid off £1m of his neighbours’ debts and called for fairer banking practices
www.theguardian.com
March 17, 2025 at 8:40 AM
Michael Sheen’s “heist” of buying and cancelling people’s debts is an inspiring act of solidarity and exposes how debt is hardwired into the economy. We need government action to tackle the household debt crisis @debtjustice.bsky.social letter in @theguardian.com
www.theguardian.com/culture/2025...
www.theguardian.com/culture/2025...
Looking forward to watching this tonight. Thank you mchshe.bsky.social for exposing a fundamental injustice in the debt system that keeps people in debt and poverty while debt collectors rake in profits. The government needs to take action to write off unpayable debts.
March 10, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Looking forward to watching this tonight. Thank you mchshe.bsky.social for exposing a fundamental injustice in the debt system that keeps people in debt and poverty while debt collectors rake in profits. The government needs to take action to write off unpayable debts.
Reposted by Heidi Chow
Happy independence day, #Ghana! 🎉
📣 We just handed in Ghanaian debt campaigner Bernard’s open letter to the PM demanding action on the #debt crisis.
🚨 22k supporters have taken action for a #debtjustice law, including THOUSANDS who signed Bernard’s letter.
📣 We just handed in Ghanaian debt campaigner Bernard’s open letter to the PM demanding action on the #debt crisis.
🚨 22k supporters have taken action for a #debtjustice law, including THOUSANDS who signed Bernard’s letter.
March 6, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Happy independence day, #Ghana! 🎉
📣 We just handed in Ghanaian debt campaigner Bernard’s open letter to the PM demanding action on the #debt crisis.
🚨 22k supporters have taken action for a #debtjustice law, including THOUSANDS who signed Bernard’s letter.
📣 We just handed in Ghanaian debt campaigner Bernard’s open letter to the PM demanding action on the #debt crisis.
🚨 22k supporters have taken action for a #debtjustice law, including THOUSANDS who signed Bernard’s letter.
I can't recommend this enough! Come join the @debtjustice.bsky.social board and be part of a dynamic, hard-hitting organisation fighting colonialism, exploitation and economic injustice in solidarity with affected communities in the UK and across the global south.
Ready to be part of the fight back? We are looking for new Trustees to join our board and help challenge poverty and inequality caused by unjust debt. Learn more: www.debtjustice.org.uk/trustee
March 4, 2025 at 1:58 PM
I can't recommend this enough! Come join the @debtjustice.bsky.social board and be part of a dynamic, hard-hitting organisation fighting colonialism, exploitation and economic injustice in solidarity with affected communities in the UK and across the global south.
Two UK hedge funds are threatening to SUE Ethiopia to force them into debt repayments they can't afford. Help stop these bulling tactics & win new global rules for countries in debt crisis📣🌍📣 SIGN the petition today 👉 debtjustice.org.uk/choosehope #CancelDebtChooseHope
Cancel Debt, Choose Hope
Join the biggest global movement for debt cancellation in twenty-five years. Campaigners and activists around the world are uniting to demand action on unjust debt. It’s a huge year for the campaign –...
debtjustice.org.uk
February 26, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Two UK hedge funds are threatening to SUE Ethiopia to force them into debt repayments they can't afford. Help stop these bulling tactics & win new global rules for countries in debt crisis📣🌍📣 SIGN the petition today 👉 debtjustice.org.uk/choosehope #CancelDebtChooseHope
Fantastic video on why this is a BIG year for the global debt movement to force action to end the debt crisis in the global south
#cancelthedebt #ChooseHope #Jubilee2025
#cancelthedebt #ChooseHope #Jubilee2025
⭐️NEW VIDEO⭐️
This the BIGGEST global debt movement in 25 years.
#Jubilee2025 is mobilising campaigners around the world for action on the debt crisis.
Together, let's make this the year we #CancelDebtChooseHope🫶🏼
#cancelthedebt #ChooseHope
youtube.com/shorts/b_jL1...
This the BIGGEST global debt movement in 25 years.
#Jubilee2025 is mobilising campaigners around the world for action on the debt crisis.
Together, let's make this the year we #CancelDebtChooseHope🫶🏼
#cancelthedebt #ChooseHope
youtube.com/shorts/b_jL1...
2025: The year we Cancel Debt, Choose Hope.
YouTube video by Debt Justice
youtube.com
February 18, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Fantastic video on why this is a BIG year for the global debt movement to force action to end the debt crisis in the global south
#cancelthedebt #ChooseHope #Jubilee2025
#cancelthedebt #ChooseHope #Jubilee2025
Reposted by Heidi Chow
“A debt crisis caused by global factors — a debt crisis that is leading to more poverty, more hunger and war.” Many thanks @jeevunsandher.bsky.social for a powerful speech in Thursday's debate in parliament on debt cancellation
We are so close to ending extreme poverty.
But we can't end poverty without solving the African debt crisis.
Using English law, we can help end the debt crisis without spending a penny.
But we can't end poverty without solving the African debt crisis.
Using English law, we can help end the debt crisis without spending a penny.
February 10, 2025 at 4:21 PM
“A debt crisis caused by global factors — a debt crisis that is leading to more poverty, more hunger and war.” Many thanks @jeevunsandher.bsky.social for a powerful speech in Thursday's debate in parliament on debt cancellation
Reposted by Heidi Chow
Thank you @bambosmp.bsky.social for hosting the debate in parliament and sponsoring the Debt Relief Bill.
The bill "would have a significant impact on low-income countries and could be transformative in allowing money spent on servicing debt to go into health & education systems"
The bill "would have a significant impact on low-income countries and could be transformative in allowing money spent on servicing debt to go into health & education systems"
As global #debt crises cripples the Global South, I secured a debate on #DebtCancellation for low income countries 🌍
I asked the Govt to support my Debt Relief Bill which would:
✅compel private creditors to accept negotiated terms
✅reduce debt burden for the poorest countries
I asked the Govt to support my Debt Relief Bill which would:
✅compel private creditors to accept negotiated terms
✅reduce debt burden for the poorest countries
February 10, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Thank you @bambosmp.bsky.social for hosting the debate in parliament and sponsoring the Debt Relief Bill.
The bill "would have a significant impact on low-income countries and could be transformative in allowing money spent on servicing debt to go into health & education systems"
The bill "would have a significant impact on low-income countries and could be transformative in allowing money spent on servicing debt to go into health & education systems"
Reposted by Heidi Chow
📢 Live NOW: UK Parliament’s Backbench Debate on Debt in Low-Income Countries
The world’s poorest countries are in a debt crisis stopping many from investing in healthcare and education.
Thousands of our supporters emailed their MPs to attend. Watch live www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/...
The world’s poorest countries are in a debt crisis stopping many from investing in healthcare and education.
Thousands of our supporters emailed their MPs to attend. Watch live www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/...
Parliamentlive.tv
Westminster Hall
www.parliamentlive.tv
February 6, 2025 at 3:05 PM
📢 Live NOW: UK Parliament’s Backbench Debate on Debt in Low-Income Countries
The world’s poorest countries are in a debt crisis stopping many from investing in healthcare and education.
Thousands of our supporters emailed their MPs to attend. Watch live www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/...
The world’s poorest countries are in a debt crisis stopping many from investing in healthcare and education.
Thousands of our supporters emailed their MPs to attend. Watch live www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/...
Govt's plans are like fighting a forest fire by offering a water pistol in ten years’ time. The UK needs to demand deeper debt cancellation and pass legislation to suspend repayments during negotiations, so that no creditor can boycott debt relief. More here: debtjustice.org.uk/press-releas...
February 6, 2025 at 11:14 AM
Govt's plans are like fighting a forest fire by offering a water pistol in ten years’ time. The UK needs to demand deeper debt cancellation and pass legislation to suspend repayments during negotiations, so that no creditor can boycott debt relief. More here: debtjustice.org.uk/press-releas...
Reposted by Heidi Chow
Bondholders rejected a debt relief proposal from the Ethiopian government that would still see them make 30% profit
HESPI, AFRODAD and Debt Justice also estimate the proposal would mean bondholders would be repaid 20% more than government creditors
debtjustice.org.uk/press-releas...
HESPI, AFRODAD and Debt Justice also estimate the proposal would mean bondholders would be repaid 20% more than government creditors
debtjustice.org.uk/press-releas...
Bondholders would still make 30% profit from rejected Ethiopia deal - Debt Justice
IMF debt sustainability targets could only be met if bilateral creditors accepted being repaid significantly less than bondholders.
debtjustice.org.uk
January 24, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Bondholders rejected a debt relief proposal from the Ethiopian government that would still see them make 30% profit
HESPI, AFRODAD and Debt Justice also estimate the proposal would mean bondholders would be repaid 20% more than government creditors
debtjustice.org.uk/press-releas...
HESPI, AFRODAD and Debt Justice also estimate the proposal would mean bondholders would be repaid 20% more than government creditors
debtjustice.org.uk/press-releas...
Reposted by Heidi Chow
"Like fighting a forest fire by offering a water pistol in ten years’ time" - our director @heidichow.bsky.social on today's government announcement on the debt crisis in lower-income countries
Reaction to Development Minister speech on debt - Debt Justice
Reaction to Development Minister speech on debt For Immediate release – 3 Feb 2025For more information and interviews contact Tim Jones on +44 7307 620372 Reacting to minister for development…
buff.ly
February 3, 2025 at 3:40 PM
"Like fighting a forest fire by offering a water pistol in ten years’ time" - our director @heidichow.bsky.social on today's government announcement on the debt crisis in lower-income countries