18 November 2023 , 19:34
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Rishi Sunak has U-turned on plans to cut spending on his “helicopter addiction”.
The PM’s taste for short-haul flights has long sparked criticism from taxpayers and climate activists. Spending was due to be cut from September with the Government promising not to renew a £40million contract which funded the flights. But we can reveal the deal has been extended.
Emily Thornberry, Shadow Attorney General, said: “ Rishi Sunak just can’t shake his helicopter addiction – even the thought of taking a train to Essex was enough to make him break his promise.” Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: “He is taking taxpayers for a ride.”
The Prime Minister leaves Westminster on the helicopter (Jonathan Buckmaster)The Ministry of Defence said in August the contract with Sloane Helicopters would end and the firm announced the auction of a chopper used by the PM. An MoD spokesman said at the time the move was “part of ensuring funds are prioritised on key areas”. But the deal was extended and the chopper taken off the market.
A Sloane Helicopters source confirmed the extension, saying: “It’s the exact same contract. The Government was due to stop it but plans changed.” They did not know how long the deal was extended for.
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Minister Andrew Murrison admitted this week the PM made two helicopter trips in the last month, including one to a school in Lincolnshire which would have cost as little as £25 each way for a one-hour train ride. The Government said private flights were chartered for logistical and security reasons.