Rishi Sunak under “a lot of pressure” after taking helicopter for short trip

Rishi Sunak boarded the helicopter after the cabinet meeting.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak used a helicopter to fly from London to Southampton and back, a journey that would take just over an hour on a train. Guardian It said it was the latest example of Mr Sunak’s fondness for short-haul air travel, who has previously faced criticism for taking publicly funded flights across the country. The Prime Minister took a helicopter ride to visit a pharmacy in Southampton to promote one of his health policies. Downing Street confirmed that the flight was funded with taxpayer money but defended the move.

Guardian Said that instead of taking a train from Waterloo station for the 160-mile (257-kilometre) journey, which would have cost £30 (Rs 3,105), Mr Sunak opted to travel by air. The outlet said a flight on the same route would cost 6,000 pounds (Rs 6.21 lakh).

The helicopter tour is likely to create an impression that the UK prime minister, who has assets of 730 million pounds (Rs 7,556 crore), is distant from the issues of the people.

political man Mr Sunak’s spokesman said he was under “a lot of pressure” after taking the helicopter ride instead of the train.

Speaking to reporters, the spokesperson said the PM had “a series of meetings” in the afternoon that he needed to attend, and added that his transport plan “will vary depending on his schedule and he will be able to travel between his two hours”. going to make the best use of.” and in the interest of the taxpayer”.

Mr Sunak’s helicopter visit came a week after his Conservative Party lost more than 1,000 council seats in local elections. Speaking about it, the Prime Minister had told reporters that the results were “obviously disappointing”, but insisted that his priorities were right for the country.

In recent months, Mr Sunak has made several helicopter trips to his constituency in North Yorkshire, although these were privately funded.