New data released today by the Ministry of Defence shows that Rishi Sunak has used RAF jets and helicopters more frequently than the UK’s previous three Prime Ministers.
The SNP has criticised the Prime Minister for being “completely out-of-touch” and “grossly hypocritical” after pledging to curb carbon emissions, whilst taking almost one domestic flight a week during his first seven months in office.
In addition to the cost of domestic flights to the taxpayer, Rishi Sunak has also accepted £70,000 worth of private air travel to Conservative Party events this year.
Commenting, SNP Social Justice spokesperson, David Linden MP said:
“Across Scotland, people have been plunged into poverty and hardship by the Westminster cost of living crisis, all the while jet-set Rishi Sunak is touring the skies in private planes and sending the bill to taxpayers.
“In the midst of a global climate emergency, the carbon footprint of the Westminster government is reaching new highs as the Prime Minister makes a record number of private jet and helicopter trips – that’s a real kick in the teeth for folk struggling to simply make ends meet. Â
“While the Prime Minister flies high, people across Scotland wonder how they are going to afford their next weekly food shop or electricity bill.
“To make matters even worse, Sunak has also accepted at least £70,000, that we know of, on private air travel to Tory party events.
“Sunak is a multi-millionaire who is completely out of touch with the needs of people in Scotland.
“We need to escape the damage of Westminster and build our own path where we can use the full powers of independence to take the action that’s needed to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and the climate emergency.”
