UK defence chiefs lavishly spent funds as troops suffered

Defence officials spent over £200 million on travel and luxury accommodations last year, sparking criticism due to the poor living conditions of troops. This expenditure has raised concerns about resource allocation within the Ministry of Defence. The funds were used for stays in expensive hotels, including five-star establishments, while troops faced substandard housing with issues like vermin and mold. The spending, which included locations like the French Alps and Las Vegas, occurred between 2018 and 2024. The Ministry of Defence defended the spending, citing the need to accommodate personnel deployed overseas. Critics have called for greater scrutiny of the MoD's budget, particularly in light of the disparity between officials' accommodations and the living conditions of soldiers.