The U.K. will go ahead with a planned cut in foreign aid budget after the government won a Commons vote despite rebellion from Tory MPs.

The aid cut was voted for by a majority of 35 MPs to keep the budget for international development at 0.5% of national income, from 0.7% of the national income.

In the 2019 general election, the ruling Conservative Party pledged to "proudly maintain" the 0.7 percent figure and "do more to help countries receiving aid become self-sufficient."

But the government now says the cut is necessary to keep public debt down amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aid cut was supported by 333 votes to 298 following a three-hour debate on Tuesday.

(With input from agencies)