With limited finances, the UK government says no more money waste and cancels the former PM helicopter expenses.
Financially Limited
Stretched financially on all fronts, the Labour government looks into ways to spend money more efficiently. In recent changes, Rishi Sunak has to make other travel plans as VIP Tory helicopter contract ends.
Eyes on You
In a position of leadership, all eyes are focused on you. Travelling at government expense without trying a different, more cost-effective approach can tip the scales.
Nearly “Unlimited” Jetsetting
Rishi Sunak, the former Prime Minister, has shown his love for “jetsetting” throughout his time at No 10 Downing Street. BBC said he flew more frequently than all his predecessors. With 23 flights in 187 days, compared to Liz Truss’ 4 flights in 49 days, and Borris Johnson’s 57 in 1,139 days.
Money Waste
Labour government has called it “grossly wasteful,” in a leadership position, topped with the country’s financial struggles, it’s not the best look.
Flight Contract Supposed to Renew
Sunak’s contract of £40 million to use the government helicopter was supposed to be renewed this year, but Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer declined it’s renewal. In the state of the country’s finances, continuing to fund £40 million for MP travels wouldn’t be a wise move.
Right Thing to Do
According to a Labour spokesperson, the choice to cancel the renewal of the helicopter contract was “only right that the service was brought to an end.” They also noted that “the new government was getting a grip on the public finances.”
“Blew Threw Public Finance”
The former government is criticised for “blowing” through the public’s finances, creating the £22 billion black hole.
Burning Government Money
Sunak’s been called out for his wasteful travel habits, using government-funded helicopter and jet trips to travel around the UK. Last year, he used a helicopter to make a trip that would only take one hour by train and cost around £30 on a return ticket, the Guardian reported.
24-Hour Destination Turn around Trips
In fact, the former PM has flown to and from destinations within 24 hours, costing thousands of pounds per trip. Reports said he even used a 14-seater aircraft for a 40-minute flight to Blackpool.
Adding to CO2 Emissions
He was previously challenged by Wera Hobhouse, a Liberal Democrat, on why he doesn’t just stay over. Instead, he “plays a reckless game with CO2 emissions,” she told reports.
The Waste Is Obvious
A Greens party member and co-leader, Carla Denyer, had previously said, “the Prime Minister should show leadership by reducing his carbon footprint. Instead he’s insulting everyone who is trying to do their bit for the environment.”
Flights Like a Regular Means of Transport
The Guardian reported that the former Prime Minister had even used Royal Air Force Navy (RAF) jets three times in ten days.
Basically, It’s Better to Fly?
“Air travel is the most effective use of my time,” the former PM once said, according to The BBC. The previous 10 Downing Street representative had also used a similar explanation when defending Sunak’s air travel frequencies.
“No Working Class Friends”
Sunak was previously criticised for an old interview where he admits to having “friends who are aristocrats” and “friends who are upper class.” In the clip, he also quickly corrects himself after saying he has working-class friends, saying, “I mean, not working class.”
“Out of Touch”
According to The Guardian, Sunak has a net worth of over £700 million, plus flying over the UK in a helicopter fuels the public’s perception of him being “out of touch.”
“Unforgivable Inheritance” From the Tory Government
Labour has said, “The Conservatives have left behind an unforgivable inheritance. This is just one step in showing the British people that will deliver on our promise of change and fix the foundations of our economy.”
Left in a Bad State
In many ways, the former Tory government carelessly spent money and was criticised for their “poor” management of the country. The country “not only inherited an economic black hole, but a societal black hole,” Starmer said.
Out of Touch With the Country
Labour said the “Tory’s VIP helicopter service” was a wasteful endeavour. They also added that it was a sheer example of how the Conservative government was “totally out of touch with the problems facing the rest of the country.”
Rebuilding the Foundations Will Take Time
Starmer had previously said that rebuilding the country’s foundations wouldn’t happen overnight and would be painful before it got better.
Difficult Choices
Making budget cuts, like taking away the Tory’s VIP flight budget, was one way of reducing unnecessary spending. Building the foundations of the country would include making “hard decisions,” as per the Labour Party.
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