Veterans in blast at defence chiefs

Defence chiefs blew up to £816 a night at five-star hotels – as the UK military faces a huge cash crisis.

One Ministry of Defence boss stayed in a Dubai hotel at a 4900 for six nights. Other trips to the Emirates saw the MoD book a total of 38 rooms which each cost more than £ 300 per night.

In another case, an MoD worker and guest stayed in Limassol, Cyprus, for three nights at a cost of £2200.

Officials even splashed out £500 for a one-night stay in Birmingham. There was also £1085 for three nights at a hotel in Oxford and £1200 for three nights at one in Glasgow. In total, 410 rooms were booked at a rate of £ 300 or more.

The figures emerged as the MoD revealed it spent £205million on hotels, meals and transport last year. They come amid fears the military faces a £1.2billion black hole by 2022.Tony Hayes, from the Veterans Association UK, said: “Serving troops are under- equipped and under- resourced whi le veterans are left on the heap and have their benefits cut. All the while some guy from the MoD is spending £ 800 on a hotel in Dubai. It’s completely obscene.”

Veterans in Action founder Billy McLeod said: “There are veterans who are forced to turn to food banks while officials are spending these sums of money. It’s absolutely crazy. It’s a betrayal.”

The MoD said: “We expect our staff to act responsibly when incurring expenses and continue to make significant savings in travel costs. Hotel stays are only approved when they are the most cost-effective solution.”