Starmer cancels Sunak’s £40m helicopter deal

The Prime Minister has cancelled a government contract for a helicopter worth £40m.

Rishi Sunak has been criticised for his use of helicopters during his time in the 10th.

The contract was due to be renewed, but has now been abandoned by Downing Street and the Ministry of Defence.

It is intended to illustrate a break with the previous administration, ahead of a speech in which the prime minister will argue that things will not be “business as usual” when parliament resumes next week.

Rishi Sunak has used RAF jets and helicopters for domestic flights more frequently than the UK’s three previous prime ministers, a BBC survey found in 2023.

Commenting on the cancellation, a Labour source said the “Tory VIP helicopter service” was a “hugely wasteful” symbol of their government being “totally out of touch with the problems facing the rest of the country”.

“It is quite normal that this service is being cut,” the source added, saying the government is “taking control of public finances.”

They said: “It says a lot that on top of the £22bn black hole the Tories were blowing in the public finances, Rishi Sunak’s priority was to keep his VIP helicopter service.

“The Conservatives have left behind an unforgivable legacy. This is just one more step to show the British people that in Labour they have a government that will deliver on its promise of change and restore the foundations of our economy.”

Meanwhile, the government has also restarted the recruitment process for a new national security adviser.

Rishi Sunak had appointed General Gwyn Jenkins to take up the post, replacing Sir Tim Barrow.

But it appears Downing Street has now taken the decision to cancel the appointment – ​​and restart the process.

A source stressed that Gen. Jenkins could still apply.