PM DEFENDS SLASHING AID

Peace of Europe is under threat, insists Starmer

- DAVE BURKE

KEIR Starmer has hit back at critics over his decision to cut billions from international aid.

The Prime Minister slashed the budget to boost defence spending.

Minister Anneliese Dodds quit over the decision on Friday, saying it would have a devastating impact on the world's poorest people.

Mr Starmer said: "Making the decision to cut overseas aid is not something I wanted to do but when peace in Europe is in issue, when the security and defence of the country is an issue, then difficult choices have to be made."