Janice R. Andrews
Labour ministers have cost taxpayers over £2 million in travel expenses during their first three months in government, according to a Mail on Sunday investigation. From attending the Euros in Germany and the Olympics in Paris to official visits in Indonesia, Japan, and Ecuador, the party’s jet-setting totalled £2.1 million between July and September 2023. In contrast, the Tories spent just £630,600 on overseas trips during the same period in 2023 – less than the £697,000 spent on Sir Keir Starmer’s travels alone.
The report also revealed a £50,000 bar tab run up by Foreign Office staff abroad, with £49,511 spent on alcohol between July and October. Foreign Office ministers’ travel expenses exceeded £1 million in the same timeframe.
Elliot Keck of the TaxPayers’ Alliance criticized the spending, stating, ‘The Foreign Office has long used its status as top dog of diplomacy to take the biscuit with expenses.’ A Foreign Office spokesman defended the costs, claiming all spending is scrutinized for value. Meanwhile, a Downing Street source emphasized Labour’s efforts to rebuild diplomatic ties damaged by the previous government.
The revelations have sparked public outrage, with calls for greater accountability over taxpayer-funded expenses.
