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Friday, October 4, 2024

UK PM Starmer returns £6,000 in gifts amid public criticisms

This move comes after weeks of mounting scrutiny and criticisms aimed at Mr Starmer and his cabinet for their indulgence in luxuries provided by affluent benefactors.

• October 3, 2024
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer[Credit: The Hill]

Amid criticisms surrounding his acceptance of lavish donations, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has returned over £6,000 worth of gifts and hospitality received since assuming office.

Mr Starmer’s reimbursed gifts comprise four Taylor Swift tickets from Universal Music Group valued at £2,800, two tickets from the Football Association costing £598, and four tickets to Doncaster Races from Arena Racing Corporation, totalling £1,939.

He also paid an £839 clothing rental fee, which included one hour of hair and makeup services.

This move comes after weeks of mounting scrutiny and criticisms aimed at Mr Starmer and his cabinet for their indulgence in luxuries provided by affluent benefactors.

During his visit to Brussels for discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Mr Starmer defended his actions, asserting it was “right” to reimburse the costs of the gifts.

To enhance transparency, a Downing Street spokesperson said, “The prime minister has commissioned a new set of principles on gifts and hospitality to be published as part of the updated ministerial code.

“Ahead of the publication of the new code, the prime minister has paid for several entries on his own register. This will appear in the next register of members’ interests.”

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