THE provision of British aid to China has been slammed by MEP Paul Nuttall.

"This superpower has just sent a rocket to the moon and yet we're sending them aid. I just find it unbelievable. It's our government that needs a rocket up it,” said UKIP deputy leader Mr Nuttall.

"People here are struggling to make ends meet and yet we hand over £11.2 billion in foreign aid to countries including £27.4 million last year to China.

"This was supposed to have been axed but it appears from information from the Department of International Development that is not the case. China has £2 trillion reserves so they are hardly struggling.

"Would there be any connection, I wonder, with David Cameron's recent visit to China and his determination to foster trade with them and encourage investment?"