Labour’s Defence Secretary John Healey ends controversial £40m helicopter contract, opting for government-owned aircraft to save taxpayer money and cut perceived excess

Labour has taken a decisive step to cut government spending by ending a £40 million private helicopter service previously favored by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The move, spearheaded by Defence Secretary John Healey, marks a significant shift in government spending priorities and signals a broader commitment to reducing perceived waste.

In 2023, Rishi Sunak reversed a decision to end the leasing of two Agusta Westland helicopters, which had been a part of the government’s transport arrangements. However, Healey, newly appointed and eager to showcase a change in fiscal discipline, has decided to terminate the contract with Sloane Helicopters, along with another associated five-year deal.

A government source described the £40 million contract as “grossly wasteful” and a symbol of the previous administration’s detachment from the financial realities facing the country. The contract, which had come under scrutiny for its costs and perceived extravagance, is seen as emblematic of a broader trend of excessive expenditure under the previous government.

With the cancellation of this contract, senior ministers will now rely on government-owned aircraft, such as those provided by the Royal Air Force, for necessary travel. This change is intended to align with Labour’s broader agenda of fiscal responsibility and to underscore their commitment to addressing public concerns over government spending.

Critics of the previous Conservative administration, including Labour, had highlighted instances where government-funded helicopters were used for journeys that could have been made by less expensive means, such as train travel. Grant Shapps, a former Cabinet minister, faced particular criticism for using a helicopter for frequent trips from his constituency home, which Labour denounced as “Britain’s most expensive Uber.”

The decision to end the contract coincides with Sir Keir Starmer’s preparations for a major speech, where he is expected to outline his plans for addressing the issues facing the country and critiquing the Conservative government’s record. In his address, Starmer will emphasize the need to “get a grip” on the country’s problems and “root out 14 years of rot” that he attributes to the Conservative administration.

Starmer’s speech, delivered from the Downing Street rose garden, will highlight Labour’s commitment to serving the needs of ordinary people and reforming what he describes as a broken system. “That’s why I wanted to invite you here today. To show that the decent, hardworking people who make up the backbone of this country belong here, and that this government is for you,” Starmer will say.

The cancellation of the helicopter contract is part of a broader strategy by the Labour government to demonstrate fiscal prudence and a renewed focus on public welfare. The previous administration’s high-profile use of luxury transport has been criticized as indicative of a broader disconnect between the government and the everyday challenges faced by ordinary citizens.

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Labour has canceled a £40 million private helicopter contract previously used by the Conservative government, a move described by Defence Secretary John Healey as a step towards reducing “grossly wasteful” spending. The contract, with Sloane Helicopters, was criticized for being a symbol of the previous administration’s extravagance, especially given the cost and occasional use for short, train-viable trips.

The decision, made shortly after Healey took office, will see senior ministers use government-owned aircraft, like RAF helicopters, for necessary operational travel instead. This move is part of Labour’s broader effort to address public dissatisfaction with perceived government waste and to signal a shift towards more responsible fiscal management.

Labour’s criticism of the previous government’s spending practices includes accusations of being “out of touch” with the financial realities faced by ordinary citizens. The cancellation aligns with Sir Keir Starmer’s commitment to reforming public finances and addressing issues he attributes to over a decade of Conservative governance.

In his upcoming speech, Starmer will emphasize his administration’s dedication to tackling these issues and restoring accountability. The termination of the helicopter contract is portrayed as a tangible example of Labour’s pledge to improve efficiency and prioritize public welfare over perceived extravagance.

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Labour has canceled a £40 million helicopter contract, previously favored by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. This contract, which was set for renewal, has been scrapped by the current administration, marking a move to distance itself from the previous government’s practices.

Rishi Sunak faced criticism for his frequent use of government-funded helicopters during his tenure, with allegations that such expenditures were excessive and out of touch with public concerns. Labour sources have labeled the contract as a “grossly wasteful” symbol of the former administration’s priorities, particularly given the reported £22 billion deficit left by the Tories.

The cancellation of the helicopter contract is part of Labour’s broader effort to signal a new approach to public spending and financial management. This decision aligns with Labour’s critique of the Conservatives’ use of domestic flights and luxury services, which they argue are inconsistent with the needs of the public.

In addition to the contract cancellation, the Labour government is also reassessing other aspects of national security and administration, including restarting the recruitment process for a new national security adviser. This comes after General Gwyn Jenkins’ appointment was put on hold, with the position now open for new candidates.

The decision to end the helicopter contract is seen as a clear demonstration of Labour’s commitment to addressing perceived government excess and prioritizing taxpayer interests over high-profile perks.