British Foreign Secretary David Cameron has come under scrutiny for his recent tour of Central Asia, where he rented a luxurious private jet for £42 mn (over $52 mn), the Guardian said.
David Cameron's five-day visit to Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia was facilitated by an Embraer Lineage 1000 aircraft, operated by Union Aviation. The charter firm boasted of amenities tailored for "discerning passengers," including assistance with wine selection and a menu suited for luxury travelers. The aircraft also features a private dining table and a separate lounge area with extended sofas, adding to its opulence.
Critics, including Emily Thornberry of the Labour Party, have condemned the decision to rent such an extravagant jet for official travel. Thornberry likened the use of taxpayer money for lavish trips to "travelling the world like the Kardashians," emphasizing the need for fiscal responsibility in government spending.
Responding to the backlash, a representative of the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office defended Cameron's travel arrangements, stating that the cost-effectiveness of trips is always considered, with expenses regularly disclosed for transparency. However, the statement did little to quell concerns over the apparent extravagance of the tour.
