Sir Keir Starmer is facing pressure from senior Labour MPs over his decision to cut the overseas aid budget to fund an increase in defence spending. Labour former minister Barry Gardiner argued that the cuts will lead to more deaths and urged the Prime Minister to change the fiscal rules instead. Dame Emily Thornberry, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed concerns about the budget's ability to support areas such as Ukraine, Sudan, and Gaza. Sir Keir defended the defence spending increase and stated that he is committed to overseas aid, but will explore other ways to raise money and finance for development.