GOVERNMENT and opposition united yesterday to ensure that a Bill to ringfence at least 0.7 per cent of GDP for international aid passed its first hurdle despite fierce opposition from a gaggle of Tory bankbenchers.

Stone-hearted Shiply member Philip Davies spent 40 unsuccessful minutes complaining that British money was going to help children abroad — his second nasty intervention in a week.

Last Friday he was one of a handful of Tories trying and failing to block a proposal to limit the cruel bedroom tax.

He was again heavily outgunned yesterday with former PM Gordon Brown making a rare Commons appearance to passionately argue the case for Britain to set an example on foreign aid.

“What we are talking about today is how we keep the promises we have made as a country and as an international community,” Mr Brown said.

Lib Dem Michael Moore’s Bill passed by 164 to six at its second reading.

Action Aid charity’s Barry Johnston said “all parties should today be commended for taking an important step.”