The use of an expensive Embraer Lineage 1000 plane for British Foreign Minister David Cameron’s five-day business trip to Central Asia has sparked criticism. The plane, rented by Union Aviation, is estimated to be worth 42 million pounds.
The trip included visits to Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia with the goal of promoting British business opportunities in the region and announcing funding of 50 million pounds to support regional governments’ sovereignty and independence.
Labour MP Emily Thornberry voiced concern over the lavish expense incurred by Cameron, calling it unnecessary for a government official. Critics point to the image of Cameron’s luxurious plane in the background of his arrival in Ulan Bator, Mongolia as evidence of extravagant spending.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended the use of the plane stating it was the most efficient way to travel and emphasizing transparency in travel cost decisions. However, this incident adds to previous criticism of the British government’s high travel expenses.
Raising questions about government accountability and responsible use of taxpayer funds, critics argue that such extravagance is not justifiable when many people are struggling with poverty and economic hardship in Britain.