Watford's MP has explained why he voted to cut the foreign aid budget amid warnings it would lead to some of the world's poorest people dying.

The Government staved off a Tory rebellion that saw 25 MPs vote with Labour against cutting aid from 0.7 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) to 0.5 per cent. 

Watford's Dean Russell was among 333 MPs to vote in favour - creating a majority of 35 - which ensured overseas support will now be slashed by £4 billion.

Oxfam GB's chief executive Danny Sriskandarajah has described it as "a disaster for the world's poorest people".

Mr Russell told the Observer: "Due to the pandemic the UK is currently experiencing its worst economic contraction in 300 years, with a budget deficit double that caused by the 2008 financial crisis.

Watford Observer:

"The Chancellor laid out previously that the reduction to 0.5 per cent GDP would be temporary – and still pledges around £10 billion of UK taxpayer’s money."

Critics have said the move contradicts the 2019 Tory manifesto which committed to the 0.7 per cent.

But Mr Russell said he was "supportive" of that pledge, adding: "This vote confirms their intention to return to this as soon as the country’s finances can afford it.

"Prior to this vote I lobbied Government to confirm the reduction would only be temporary and clear conditions are in place for a return to 0.7 per cent."

Watford Observer: Former Conservative MP Sir John Major has criticised the Government over cutting foreign aid. Picture: PA.Former Conservative MP Sir John Major has criticised the Government over cutting foreign aid. Picture: PA.

MPs will be able to vote whether to restore the full amount when the Government is no longer borrowing for day-to-day spending and when underlying debt is falling.

Former Conservative Prime Minister Sir John Major said: "The Government has blatantly broken its word and should be ashamed of its decision.

"It seems that we can afford a 'national yacht' that no-one either wants or needs, while cutting help to some of the most miserable and destitute people in the world."

Watford's MP said the UK remains one of the most generous aid donors in the G7, with a commitment considerably higher than the OECD average.

The UK's five per cent figure would put it third on the G7 list behind Germany (0.73) and France (0.53), but ahead of Japan (0.31), Canada (0.31), Italy (0.22) and the US (0.17), according to the BBC.