New twice-weekly FMQs blamed for Swinney's 'staggering' £18k World Cup flights

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney faced fresh scrutiny after reports that changes to First Minister’s Questions (FMQs) contributed to the “staggering” cost of his World Cup travel. The Scottish Government blamed a revamped, now twice-weekly FMQs schedule—launched June 8 at Holyrood with sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays—for “affected travel plans.” Swinney reportedly flew to the U.S. around June 11 with an entourage, with total government spending on flights, accommodation, car hire and other expenses reaching £98,442. Business-class flights for Swinney and his private secretary were listed at £17,893 each. The government denied rebooking flights or booking first-class, and refused to confirm the booking dates.