London, 29 August 2024, (TDI): A government helicopter contract worth an estimated £40 million has been canceled by the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.
More than any of the preceding three UK prime ministers, Rishi Sunak frequently used RAF jets and helicopters for domestic travel.
During his time in No 10, Rishi Sunak was criticized for using helicopters.
The Ministry of Defense and Downing Street have now terminated the deal, which was scheduled to be extended.
This is meant to be a symbolic gesture away from the previous government in advance of the prime minister’s speech next week, when he will contend that it will not be “business as usual” when parliament reconvenes.
A Labor insider responded to the cancellation by claiming that the “Tories’ VIP helicopter service” was a “grossly wasteful” representation of their administration, which was “totally out of touch with the problems facing the rest of the country.”
The insider went on, saying that the government is “getting a grip of the public finances,” and that it is only right that this service be discontinued.
The insider continued, “It provides ample evidence that Rishi Sunak prioritized maintaining his private jet service over the £22 billion financial abyss the Conservatives were blowing in the public funds.”
Labor often attacked Mr. Rishi Sunak for using domestic planes when they were in opposition.
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John Glen, a Conservative MP, questioned the incoming Labor government last month about its plans to cut down on the amount of domestic travel that ministers take.
In response, Ellie Reeves, the minister of cabinet office, stated that travel arrangements will be “decided with consideration of the best use of a minister’s time and in the interests of the taxpayer,” without indicating if the number would be decreased.
Ministers were able to “visit more parts of the United Kingdom” and stayed overnight less times when they used domestic planes, she stated.
