BORIS Johnson has claimed criticism of his government over its decision to slash foreign aid is based on “lefty propaganda” – despite the fact it’s being led by backbench Tory MPs.

The Prime Minister dismissed accusations of ignoring “moral and legal responsibilities” as he clashed with Ian Blackford in the Commons.

The SNP Wesminster leader hit out over the Tory government’s decision to cut the overseas aid budget by £4 billion.

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has said MPs should be given an "effective" say over the move to suspend the commitment to spend 0.7% of national income on aid, which is enshrined in law.

However, Downing Street has refused to countenance the idea.

Blackford, speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, opened by noting it is "time for heroes" as he wished the Scotland men's national football team well for Euro 2020, before switching his focus to the Government's overseas aid cut.

The Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP told the Commons: "Later this week the Prime Minister will walk into the G7 summit as the only leader cutting development aid to the world's poorest.

"At the very moment when global leadership is needed more than ever, this Tory Government is walking away from millions still struggling from the Covid pandemic and a poverty pandemic.

"The Prime Minister has been hiding on this issue for months. This is a Government on the run from their own moral and legal responsibilities, and on the run from their own backbenchers. But the Prime Minister can't hide from this issue any longer and he can't run from democracy in this House.

"Will he stand up today and commit to a straight vote in this House on his inhumane cuts, as demanded by the Speaker? Prime Minister, it is a very simple question: yes or no?"

READ MORE: Rishi Sunak 'wants City of London exemption' from G7 tax agreement

Boris Johnson claimed "lefty propaganda" was misrepresenting his Government's position on foreign aid, despite the rebellion being led by Conservative MPs including former prime minister Theresa May.

He said: “The people in this country were given a vote on this and many other matters very recently and I think they adjudicated very firmly in favour of the balance the Government is striking.

“We are in very difficult financial times. But you shouldn’t believe the lefty propaganda that you hear from people opposite. We’re spending £10 billion overseas … all they want to do is run this country down.”

He added the UK should be “proud” of its contribution to foreign aid.

Blackford quipped: "I don't think I've ever heard the previous prime minister [May] called a leftist propagandist."

The SNP MP continued: “The simple fact of the matter is every single party, every single member of this House, stood on a manifesto commitment of 0.7%. The Prime Minister has reneged on that and Speaker has indicated the Government should allow a vote on it. It’s pretty basic stuff.”