Downing Street has slapped down Penny Mordaunt for suggesting Britain should withdraw funding from Unesco, amid criticism of cabinet “freelancing”.

The international development secretary told cabinet colleagues last month that she wants Britain to withdraw from the UN’s cultural and education body.

Ms Mordaunt’s request to stop the £11.1 million funding at the end of next year raised concern among colleagues including Theresa May and Michael Gove, as well as in the Foreign Office.

Today Number 10 suggested they would block the move.

“There has been no change to our commitment to Unesco. Since 2016 the UK has made efforts to drive reform and improve performance at Unesco and we have seen positive developments. However, more progress is required,” a Downing Street spokesman said “We’re