JOHNSON TO WASTE NEARLY £1M OF TAXPAYERS' CASH ON PRIVATE PLANE PAINT JOB

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has criticised Boris Johnson’s plans to waste nearly £1m of taxpayers’ money on repainting his VIP plane red, white and blue – at the same time as vigorously resisting calls to financially support struggling households, children and workers through the coronavirus crisis.

Downing Street today confirmed that repainting the RAF Voyager in the colours of the Union Jack will cost the public an eye-watering £900,000.

Commenting, SNP MP Patricia Gibson said:

“It is beyond shameful that Boris Johnson vigorously fought calls to prevent children receiving free school meals - before eventually caving - he continues to resist calls to strengthen financial support for struggling families, households and workers during this crisis, and cuts international aid support - yet is intent on wasting nearly £1m of taxpayers’ money to repaint his private plane red, white and blue.

“This is an utterly unacceptable use of public funds whilst members of the Armed Forces are spending their own money on uniforms and kit, and the equipment plan deficit is well into the billions for several years running.

"Boris Johnson is taking yet another page out of the Trumpian playbook with this cynical move – distracting from the reality of his government and chief advisor's conduct over the past few months.

“The Prime Minister is detached from the difficulties facing ordinary families and has abandoned any attempt to act in the interests of people across the UK.”

ENDS