Scotland's First Minister John Swinney has come under fire over the cost of his trip to the US for the World Cup. The SNP leader flew to the United States in June to watch the Scotland men's national team take part in the football tournament for the first time in 28 years.
According to data published by the Scottish Government under freedom-of-information legislation, almost £100,000 was spent on the trip by Mr Swinney and Scottish Government officials, along with another visit by sports minister Maree Todd. The sum includes business class flights for the SNP politician, his private secretary John Webster and chief of staff Colin McAllister costing more than £45,000.
Scottish Tory leader criticises spending
Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay said: “John Swinney flew business class on his PR trip to the World Cup ... his flight alone cost taxpayers £18,000.”
He added: “He took an entourage of eight staff to the USA and spent £8,000 on car hire. Remember this when SNP politicians talk about the cost of living and value for taxpayers.”
Swinney defends trip costs
Mr Swinney defended the cost of the trip, telling the BBC: “Obviously, when flights have got to be booked, when there's intense pressure on the time involved, then the costs are likely to be higher.” He added: “We tried to minimise those costs.”
The Scottish Government's Justice Secretary Neil Gray, speaking to BBC Radio Scotland earlier on Thursday, said: “These are busy trips for ministers and it is right that they are able to arrive fresh, they're able to arrive in a way that means that they're able to participate and do their work immediately, so I think that's a proportionate use.” He added that it was “right” the First Minister and officials made the trip to “make significant international connections”.
