Hilary Benn has denied that government money could be used to fund terrorist groups in the Middle East.

Speaking at his first session of international development questions since being promoted to secretary of state, Benn said measures were in place to protect against the misuse of aid.

Conservative MP Teddy Taylor challenged Benn to ensure that development cash given to countries such as Syria and Iran could not be channelled to terrorist groups.

"What assurances can he give the House that this money given is properly spent?" he asked.

The Cabinet minister said that there were procedures and processes in place "to protect against concerns that have been made".

"There have been questions about the money spent by the European Union's aid programme but these have not been substantiated," he added.

Benn also stated his opposition to Israel's security wall which is now being extended into Palestinian territory.

Responding to questions from backbench Labour MP Gerald Kaufman, Benn said the wall was "a very serious problem for Palestinians".

"We have made our views extremely clear on this," he said. "But it is a symptom of the lack of security in the region as a whole."