The government won a vote by 333 to 298 on its proposal to cut the minimum spend on overseas development to 0.5 percent of economic output. The cut was first announced in November as a measure to help pay for the COVID-19 pandemic. The victory comes after the government persuaded a sufficient number of party members to back the plan despite early signs that a high-profile rebellion could inflict an embarrassing defeat. The government's conditions for returning to 0.7 percent aid spending would not be met before 2024, according to analysis by the House of Commons library, which provides independent research to lawmakers. Their research was based on budget forecasts produced in March.

Source: bd News24 July 13, 2021 15:00 UTC