A BOURNEMOUTH MP has appealed for Britain to be a “Churchillian nation” by sticking to its commitments on foreign aid.

Tobias Ellwood, who chairs the House of Commons defence committee, warned that a “new Cold War” was looming and the country should not withdraw from projects overseas

The Bournemouth East MP was speaking in a debate after the government abandoned its manifesto commitment to continue spending 0.7 per cent of gross national income on foreign aid.

A succession of MPs warned the change of policy would lead to more deaths in poor countries.

UK foreign aid cuts in numbers

Mr Ellwood, a former soldier and former Foreign Office minister, pointed to the G7 summit of advanced economies happening in Cornwall this weekend.

He said: “This G7 summit offers an opportunity for Britain to step forward as we’ve done in the past when other nations have hesitated.”

Johnson blocks Commons vote on overseas aid cuts

He added: “We are progressively seeing our world split into two competing geopolitical spheres of influence. That is the face of the new Cold War which looms ahead and this is not the time to reduce our soft power footprint.

“If this is all about the money – and we understand the huge bill that the treasury faces, £400billion – then why not learn about what we did after the war? Ringfence this debt rather than using austerity measures to balance the books before the next general election.”

Bournemouth MP Tobias Ellwood against plans to reduce army troops

He added: “As our history shows, we are that Churchillian nation that steps forward when others hesitate and I say this to the House from a security perspective the next decade is going to get extremely bumpy indeed.

“The US is once again keen to play its part on the global stage. In the spirit of global Britain, let’s be that reliable ally, let’s stay firm and honour our manifesto commitment.”

MPs Tobias Ellwood and Simon Hoare join Tory rebellion

Conservatives opposing the cut in foreign aid have been unsuccessful in forcing a vote earlier this week but did secure a debate in the Commons.

The Commons speaker has urged the government to hold a vote on the issue, but Downing Street has indicated it will not do so.