Britain has committed £25million in aid to Somalia over the next five years, amid significant domestic budget cuts.
The foreign aid package comes as Chancellor Rachel Reeves implements substantial reductions to public services in the UK.
The cuts are being made to address what the government describes as a £22billion deficit inherited from the previous administration.
The funding is part of the government’s “Green Urban Growth” initiative targeting development in Somalia.
This overseas spending commitment comes at a time when the Treasury is implementing what it calls necessary austerity measures at home.
The financial decisions have sparked debate about priorities in public spending during a period of domestic belt-tightening.
Conservative MP Esther McVey has criticised the spending on GB News, calling it “grotesque” during a time of domestic hardship.
“There is no oversight of what is going on,” McVey said.
She argued that priority should be given to domestic needs, stating: “Charity begins at home, and it does, particularly in times of hardship.”
