CITY MP Robin Walker has joined the ongoing row in parliament over the government's plans to cut the foreign aid budget.

Mr Walker was speaking ahead of a potential amendment to the government's bill aimed at protecting the 0.7 per cent spending on foreign aid.

The Prime Minister aims to cut this to 0.5%, saying it will save around £4 billion to be used to help the country recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Walker said though he hoped the government would honour its commitment, he hoped the funding could return to normal levels once the economic impact of the pandemic had subsided.

He said: "I have always supported honouring our commitments internationally and honouring our manifesto pledge towards it.

"It should be recognised, however, that we are in exceptional circumstances, with the treasury having to support the recovery closer to home.

"I do hope though that if the cut is made, we restore it back to 0.7 as soon as possible to help the world's poorest countries."

A number of senior Conservative MPs, including West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin, have come out against the foreign aid budget cut, saying it will harm poor communities abroad and weaken Britain's standing internationally.

Mr Walker said there were other ways to support other countries, adding: "Some of the stuff we have done such as helping the AstraZeneca rollout around the world has been really important.

In addition, the things we committed to at the G7 regarding tax and the environment will also have a big impact on helping the world's poorest countries."