It’s set to go from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income, following in the footsteps of Trump’s cuts of the USAID programmes. These cuts are the latest in a series of reductions to overseas development funding overseen by both Conservatives and Labour governments in recent years.

The South Belfast MLA has said: “The UK has a long-established tradition of leading on international development and overseas aid, supporting some of the most vulnerable people around the world. This funding has enabled organisations to do life-changing work tackling poverty, supporting sustainable development, and providing humanitarian relief. All of that work and influence has now been placed in jeopardy.

“Through my engagement with the Coalition of Aid and Development Agencies in Northern Ireland, I’ve heard first-hand about the impact these cuts could have. We must be clear that they will result in fewer children receiving life-saving nutrition, a reduction in the provision of healthcare programmes, and will restrict educational advancement in many countries around the world.

“Looking at the current realities of the world we live in and the threats that exist, we are not opposed to extra spending on defence. However, this cannot come at the expense of international aid, which in itself acts as another measure to ensure a safer, more stable world. At a time when conflict, the climate emergency, and humanitarian crises are on the rise, cutting aid is not only unjust, it’s dangerously short-sighted.

“We have both a moral duty and a strategic interest in supporting the world’s most vulnerable people, and Alliance has long advocated for restoring the UK’s aid commitment to 0.7% of national income. We will continue to push back against these cuts and be passionate advocates for international development and humanitarian assistance.”