Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle defends spending £250k of taxpayer cash on foreign trips


Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle defends spending £250k of taxpayer cash on foreign trips

Sir Lindsay Hoyle's Justification

Sir Lindsay Hoyle has defended spending £250,000 on overseas trips, emphasizing the importance of holding countries like Russia and China to account. Despite facing criticism for his 19 trips in the past two years, he stands by his decision, stating that attending major conferences is crucial for the UK's global standing.

Speaking Truth to Power

During his travels to countries such as Qatar, India, and Italy, Sir Lindsay Hoyle has used his influence to address critical issues like Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He believes that by actively participating in these conferences, he can lead discussions and advocate for important global matters.

Travel Expenses Breakdown

Analysis has shown that Sir Lindsay Hoyle spent over £180,000 on first-class and business-class plane tickets, in addition to expenses on hotels and chauffeur-driven cars. Despite the high costs, he argues that such expenditures are necessary to fulfill his duties effectively.

Comparison with Other Speakers

Sir Lindsay Hoyle pointed out that other Speakers often have larger contingencies and use private jets for their international travels. He highlights the importance of being present and actively engaging in global events to represent the UK's interests.