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Former Environment Secretary Michael Gove, along with five over ministers, have been blasted for flying from London to Wales – instead of taking a two-hour train.
Gove, who is now an MP for Surrey Heath and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, attended the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) meeting in Cardiff – making the 150-mile journey via military plane.
A spokesperson for Government has defended the method of travel, stating it was ‘efficient and cost-effective’ – despite reports stating the trip cost around £3,000.
Several major media outlets have also highlighted a return trip from the two cities would have cost around £50 per person.
‘Climate breakdown’
Campaigner at environmental organization Friends of the Earth Muna Suleiman told The Independent: “If a private plane is really the most cost-effective way to travel 200 miles between two capital cities it shows just how much ministers are failing on transport and climate.
“We’re facing runaway climate breakdown so it’s time that environmentally friendly travel options such as train, bus, and bicycle are made cheaper and more accessible.”
‘Abuse of power’
SNP’s Shadow Commons Leader Tommy Sheppard also slammed Gove, telling The Herald: “We can’t have ministers running around using the RAF as a private taxi service. It is there for the defense of the realm, not to provide travel for ministers to attend parties or any other purpose.
“We need to get to the bottom of this. This is completely unacceptable, verging on the abuse of power. It’s typical of the arrogance of those in power.”
