Prime Minister Gordon Brown has scrapped plans for “Blair Force One” - originally announced by his predecessor - to buy a pair of private jets for himself and the Royal Family to use.
Citing the rising costs of buying and operating commercial aircraft, the written statement from the Department of Transport said that the scheme would now cover just one small plane for the Royals, with the exact choice to be decided by them.
In contrast to Tony Blair, Mr Brown has fostered a frugal, prudent image, and claims to travel around the UK by train whenever possible.
Some commentators have suggested that this announcement is part of the government’s overall strategy to reduce overcrowding on the railways, predicting that commuters will flock to alternative forms of transport where they will run less risk of being stuck for hours with the grumpy, scowling Prime Minister on their travels.
Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace said it was considering various options for its new acquisition. The Queen was said to favour a shiny new Tiger Moth, while Prince Charles wanted a balloon to harness his abundant natural supply of hot air. Rumours that Prince Harry had set his heart on a Stuka were, however, categorically denied by stony-faced Palace officials.
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