The UK has reduced its foreign aid spending commitment from 0.7 percent to 0.5 percent of gross domestic product, sparking outcry from various quarters.

UK finance minister Rishi Sunak. /Matt Dunham/ AFP

The move was announced by finance minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday, and Reuters reports it may be welcomed by some voters and media organizations who argue that the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic crisis mean Britain should spend less on aid.

"During a domestic fiscal emergency, when we need to prioritize our limited resources on jobs and public services, sticking rigidly to spending 0.7% of our national income on overseas aid is difficult to justify," Reuters quotes Sunak.

"At a time of unprecedented crisis, government must make tough choices."

The finance minister however noted that the aid spending could rise back to 0.7 percent when fiscal conditions allowed, but did not set a target date.