Kate Osamor MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for International Development, responding to reports that the Government is to cut spending on traditional aid projects, said:

“Priti Patel has made it clear that the Government now has no plans to deliver on the UK’s 0.7 per cent aid budget.

“The UK’s commitment to international development must be just as important as international security and safety. The UK needs to remain at the forefront of offering stability, democracy and financial resources to the least developed countries.

“International aid should not be used as a slush fund to bail out the underfunding of defence. UK aid is vital in supporting those around the world most in need and any cuts in that support will have a devastating impact on the vulnerable.

“If it is the case that the Government has abandoned the UK’s commitment to the UN sustainable development goals to end poverty it is an extremely worrying development that smacks of isolationism.”