World Bank chief echoes Bill Gates's warning to Theresa May on aid

Jim Yong Kim says reneging on UK commitment to spend 0.7% of GDP on aid could lead to rise in conflict and migration

The president of the World Bank has told Theresa May that cutting the UK's aid budget could lead to an increase in conflict, terrorism and migration and would damage Britain's international reputation.

In a strongly worded response to reports that the government was considering dropping its commitment to devote 0.7% of national income to aid each year, Jim Yong Kim said the money the UK provided was vital not just for developing countries but for the future of the world.

Related: Lives at risk if Tories choose to ditch UK foreign aid pledge, says Bill Gates

Related: Everything you need to know about UK aid and the 0.7% spending pledge