When asked whether Britain would consider stopping a projected 50% increase in aid to Nigeria or cutting it outright, Cameron said, “Nothing is off the table. We need to have these conversations. We also have some very important objectives with Nigerians, for instance on how to deal with the appalling rates of poverty in Northern Nigeria, which are part of the problems confronting the country.” Britain and some Western Nation had previously expressed opposition to the bill. Cameron had in October 2011 threatened to cut off aid to countries which ban gay and lesbians.