Copyright dailyrecord
The Labour Government has been criticised for employing butlers during a biting cost of living crisis . The “silver service” staff work at the Foreign Office where they help cater for VIPs . SNP MSP Kevin Stewart said: “This isn’t just about butlers, it’s about broken priorities . “At a time when families are choosing between heating and eating, the idea that public money is still being spent on butlers to pour wine for VIPs is nothing short of insulting. “This is just the latest example of how out of touch Westminster, and the Labour party, is with the reality of life for people in Scotland. Labour have shown they are no different from the Tories – content to manage decline and protect privilege, rather than deliver for working people.” Keir Starmer has prioritised tackling the cost of living crisis, but inflation remains high and energy bills have shot up since the general election. Information released to the SNP shows that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has two "butlers" on their books. The main purpose of the jobs is to organise functions on behalf of the government and ministers to help them to entertain official guests. The team organises breakfasts, lunches, receptions and dinners among a raft of tasks. Staff members must also be “self-starting”, run events with "VVIP’s present” and deal with chefs. They must also provide a “global standard” service. It added: “A high percentage of time is spent planning and overseeing the smooth running of functions, including the service of food and drink, and the role requires someone who can think on their feet and deal with problems/last minute requests.” A government source denied the staff were traditional butlers, adding that they were high level hospitality workers. Stewart blasted: “Scotland deserves better than an out-of-date system stuck in a silver service fantasy.” An FCDO Spokesperson said: “Every year, the UK welcomes hundreds of visitors from around the world and hosts international events, summits and other engagements, attended by world leaders, royalty and influential business leaders, all of which help to promote the UK’s interests overseas and benefit our economic prosperity.” “The individuals referred to in this release are among our most senior hospitality staff, responsible for managing teams who are helping to plan and deliver some of the UK Government’s most important foreign policy events. They do not deserve to be pilloried for doing that work, just on the basis of the traditional titles that those jobs hold.” To sign up to the Daily R ecord Politics newsletter, click here
