Labour leader Keir Starmer has found himself at the centre of controversy after it emerged he regularly uses a French-made Citroën car, despite his party's push for stricter UK transport policies aimed at supporting British industry.
The revelation has sparked criticism from political opponents and industry advocates, who accuse Starmer of hypocrisy. The Department for Transport (DfT), currently led by a Labour government, has recently introduced measures to prioritise British-made vehicles in government fleets.
Transport Policy vs Personal Choice
While Starmer's Labour party champions 'Buy British' initiatives in its transport policy, the leader's personal vehicle choice - a Citroën DS5 Premium - has raised eyebrows. The luxury model, manufactured in France, stands in stark contrast to the party's public stance on supporting domestic automotive production.
Political Reactions
Conservative MPs have seized on the revelation, with one backbencher calling it 'the height of hypocrisy'. Meanwhile, representatives from Britain's struggling automotive sector have expressed disappointment, suggesting political leaders should 'lead by example'.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for UK transport policy, with ongoing debates about post-Brexit trade rules affecting vehicle imports and the government's push for greener transport solutions.
