Ministers demand BBC World Service plan for cuts as aid budget slashed

Exclusive: David Lammy asks BBC bosses to draw up tightened budget amid criticism move could harm UK's global influence

David Lammy is asking BBC bosses to draw up tens of millions of pounds' worth of cuts to the World Service as part of the spending review, as the fallout continues from Keir Starmer's decision to slash the aid budget.

Sources have told the Guardian the Foreign Office has asked the BBC to draw up a budget of up to 70m a year lower than bosses say it needs over the next few years, and well below inflation.