The UK parliamentary committee that scrutinises British aid has described funding cuts to several African countries as outrageous and hypocritical.

The International Development Committee says several conflict-hit East African countries will see their aid slashed by half or more, despite being identified as priority areas.

The British government has cited the financial impact of the pandemic as a reason for the cuts.

The countries include Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Mozambique and Somalia.

The committee said UK aid in the region was needed more than ever as humanitarian crises were being exacerbated by conflict and climate change.