The government has announced £100 million in aid and development assistance for Sudan providing the country secures an early peace agreement.

In a written statement to the Commons, international development secretary Hilary Benn said the cash would be forthcoming if the Khartoum government lives up to its commitments on Darfur.

"The £100 million for next year will enable us to maintain our significant response to support for the humanitarian crisis in Darfur," he said.

The money will also enable the UK to contribute to other humanitarian, recovery and reintegration needs in Sudan.

"We look forward to the signing of a comprehensive peace agreement before the end of the year and to working with the new administrations in Sudan to establish a development programme that contributes to eradicating poverty and building a safer Sudan for all," added Benn.

The commitment comes less than a week after the prime minister led a ministerial delegation to Sudan.

Blair warned the Sudanese government that it had to bring rebel militias under control and halt the exodus of refugees from Darfur into neighbouring Chad.