The Defence Secretary has significantly restricted the use of ministerial helicopter transport in an effort to reduce costs, according to the Minister of State for Defence, Maria Eagle.
In response to a written question from Joe Robertson MP, Maria Eagle confirmed that the cost of operating the helicopter service for Ministers, senior officials, and military personnel is directly linked to its usage.
She stated, “Entitlement to use rotary-wing air transportation has been tightened significantly by the Defence Secretary to reduce usage.”
The move reflects a broader push by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to control spending while maintaining efficiency in government air transport. The MOD incurs costs for the use of the Cabinet Office-provided helicopter transport service, but expenditure is now being closely monitored to limit unnecessary flights.
The response did not include specific figures on annual operating costs, indicating that spending varies depending on demand.
Concerns have been raised about the cost-effectiveness of government air transport, particularly as the UK Armed Forces navigate budgetary constraints and modernisation efforts. The restrictions on helicopter use are part of a wider effort to ensure that military resources are prioritised effectively.
The government has yet to disclose full financial details but this latest clarification confirms that ministerial access to helicopters has been significantly reduced.
It is not right that MoD foots the bill to move ministers and senior CS from Departments other than MoD.
By now you may realise I spent most of my working life here in Derby, RR on Raynesway is 1000m from my home and I can see every time a helicopter lands there (usually on the Cricket ground 🙄).
If it’s CS / RN Brass visiting it’s usually a nice posh helicopter, if it’s a Minister such as Sec Defence it’s an old Puma which says it all really.
St Pancras to Derby is 1hr 30mins and a 10 minute Taxi ride.
I agree.
4-6 First Class train tickets cost little compared to a helicopter.
That said there was a point in time when this allowed pilots to clock up flying hours….so I’m not sure that all services cab usage is bad…..hours need to be clocked up and the relevant department/budget holder pays..
Yeah. If the crew can use it as a training flight then no issue.
Wasn’t old Blunkett one of the worst offenders when I was using Chevening?
He* ^^
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Did anyone else see Zelensky departing from Wellington Barracks on a Puma the other week?
A type HMG are so happy to scrap within the month?
Hilarious.
Sometimes heli travel for VVIP is necessary, I’ve no issues with it, neither does most of the world with their varied VIP VVIP fleets.
Good Afternoon Mr M, yep he took a Puma up to Norfolk to see HM at Sandringham. I watched it on the tracker and it was interesting that it was shadowed by a 2nd Puma.
As for London to Derby, sorry but it’s a VIP show off exercise, Midland Mainline 1st class and a car at each end vs a Puma with flight crew and fuel. They can work on the train, wave at my Mrs when they go past the control centre and unlike on a Puma they can even have a Pee 🤣
I’m just waiting for the announcement as to where in Derby they put the New Headquarters of GBR and see if the Transport Secretary turns up in a Helicopter.🤷🏼♂️
Ah yes, I remember you saying that she worked at Derby ROC?
I agree with Graham. Military brass, no issues. Ministers from other departments, with a real actual need, no issue.
As long as MoD are paid.
great
creat