The Labour/Liberal Democrat Progressive Alliance on Milton Keynes Council has spoken out after local MP Ben Everitt breaks his promise on the international aid target.

In the General Election of 2019, Conservative MPs including Ben Everitt stood for election on a manifesto promise to “proudly maintain our commitment to spend 0.7 per cent of GNI on development”.

Last month, Ben Everitt MP said he was standing by that commitment. Yet, today he has expressed his support for maintaining the cut to international aid until “circumstances allow” for it to return to 0.7 per cent.

Councillor Pete Marland, Labour Leader of Milton Keynes Council, said: “In little over a month Ben Everitt has gone from saying “When Britain makes a promise to the rest of the world, we keep it.” to instead breaking that very promise.”

“We simply do not know when the financial situation will reach the level required for aid spending to return to 0.7 per cent. This is unacceptable.”

Councillor Robin Bradburn, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader of Milton Keynes Council, said: “Milton Keynes constituents deserve better. They deserve an MP who keeps their word, not one who U-turns on commitments.”

“This decision is disappointing and damaging; it will have a drastic impact on the some of the most vulnerable people around the world.”