URGENT UPDATE: The UK government’s climate envoy, Rachel Kyte, has racked up over 150,000 air miles since her appointment, costing taxpayers a staggering £104,804.65 in flight expenses. This revelation, reported by LBC News, highlights a significant expenditure amidst growing scrutiny of public spending.
Kyte’s extensive travels include trips to major climate conferences, notably COP 30. The distance traveled equals more than six times the circumference of the Earth, raising questions about the environmental impact of her role. Kyte, who reports directly to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, has faced criticism for the high costs associated with her international diplomacy.
In detail, an LBC freedom of information request uncovered that approximately 80% of the total costs were spent on flights, with the majority being in business class. Notably, Kyte took 28 business class flights and 21 economy flights, with one upgraded to premium economy. The most expensive trip, a one-way flight from Boston to Hainan, China, cost taxpayers over £6,136 and was undertaken for “high level dialogue” with the Friends of the Paris Agreement group.
The implications of this spending are significant. Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho criticized the Labour government for what she calls “yet more Labour hypocrisy” and questioned the integrity of their climate commitments.
In February 2024, a return trip to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania cost the public purse £6,040.26, further emphasizing the financial burden of Kyte’s role. A government spokesperson defended the expenditures, stating that Kyte’s international efforts aim to enhance private financing for climate initiatives and advance the UK’s mission to become a clean energy superpower.
Kyte, appointed in 2024, previously emphasized the importance of climate action as a priority for the UK in her comments to The Guardian. She stated, “This government is committed to reconnecting the UK to the world with climate action as a priority.”
The spotlight now shines on the government’s spending practices and their commitment to climate change as public interest grows. What will the future hold for Kyte and her role in this pivotal issue? Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.
