World leading aid department at risk, plans to scrap it will harm our global credibility

Johnson attack on international aid will destroy our global credibility - reports are that he plans to close the Department for International Development and merge it into a joint department with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Secretary Chuka Umunna said:

"Boris Johnson is demonstrating yet again his damaging plans to close the UK off from the world and destroy our global credibility.

"Since its creation over two decades ago, the Department for International Development has been a world leader in delivering aid and humanitarian assistance to those in desperate need.

"The Conservatives are willing to trample over this proud record, putting the short-term desires of the hard-right of the Conservative party ahead of the long-term benefits of sustainable global development."