Map shows the countries UK is sending millions in aid to - full list

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced a boost to the UK’s defence spending, with the increase coming at the expense of the aid budget.

The move has seen strong criticism from charities but Sir Keirhas defended his decision, saying there is “no driver” of poverty like conflict.

Defence spending is set to increase from 2.3% to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 in response to “tyrant” Vladimir Putin and concerns over the US’ commitment to European security.

Sir Keir says the increase will see an additional £13.4bn on defence every year from 2027, but it will be paid for by cutting development assistance aid.

Its current level of 0.5% of gross national income will be reduced to 0.3% in the next two years.

Sir Keir told reporters it was “not a decision I wanted to make” but one that was “necessary for the protection of our country”.

But where does UK foreign aid go, and how much is spent?

The UK provides aid to dozens of countries across the world, with the map below showing how much, prior to Sir Keir’s announcement, was planned for 2024/25.

Ukraine (£236,750,000), Ethiopia (£216,900,000), Afghanistan (£171,000,000), Syria (£145,542,000), Sudan (£140,315,000), and Palestine (£129,000,000) are among the nations expected to receive the most in British aid.

Some nations also receive less considerable amounts, such as Brazil (£87,000), Colombia (£1,295,000) and India (£2,000,000).

Charities have said they are “shocked” and “stunned” by the move.

David Miliband, a former Labour foreign secretary and now president and chief executive of the International Rescue Committee aid organisation, said the cut is a “blow to Britain’s proud reputation as a global humanitarian and development leader”.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch backed the Government’s cut in the aid budget to fund the defence increase.

She also encouraged the Prime Minister to take up her suggestion of also cutting the welfare budget to boost military spending.