'Union Jack paint job' for Boris Johnson's plane to cost 拢900,000
The patriotic makeover has been criticised by political rivals as an "absurd waste" of money.
Wednesday 17 June 2020 16:09, UK
A makeover for the military plane used by Boris Johnson and senior politicians will cost 拢900,000, Downing Street has revealed.
Sky News reported on Tuesday on the plan to transform the RAF Voyager from grey to a Union Jack-inspired red, white and blue design on the rear of its fuselage and on the tail.
Mr Johnson's spokesman has now said it will cost £900,000.
He told reporters the bill "incorporates the cost of creating a design that will promote the UK around the world without compromising the plane's vital military role".
"This will mean that the plane can better represent the UK around the world with national branding, similar to many other leaders' planes, while also retaining its military air-to-air refuelling capability," said the spokesman.
"At every stage we have worked to ensure value for money for the UK taxpayer and all of the work has been undertaken in the UK, directly benefiting British suppliers."
He said the plane is already being repainted in Cambridgeshire and that it is also used by the Royal Family.
Jamie Stone, defence spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, called the cost "insulting" and an "absurd waste" while "so many families are struggling to put food on the table and so many are worried about their job security".
He said: "The country is facing the biggest crisis in generations but Boris is concerned with the colours of his plane.
"This government continue to astound with their posturing. It is disgraceful. They should halt these plans and use the money to help those who need it most right now instead."
Mr Johnson, as foreign secretary in 2018, said he would like a "Brexit plane" to help him travel the world.
He said spending money on a new aircraft, which would promote the government's vision of global Britain, would be justified if costs were not "exorbitant".