Scottish Transport Secretary defends Swinney's business class World Cup flights

Scotland’s Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn defended John Swinney’s business-class flights to the World Cup, saying it was important for the SNP leader and key staff to “be on his game” upon arrival in Boston for Scotland’s opening match. Swinney flew to watch Scotland’s first World Cup in 28 years in June, along with official travel tracked by Scottish Government figures released under freedom-of-information rules. That data shows nearly £100,000 spent on Swinney and Scottish Government officials to Boston, then on to Kentucky, with sports minister Maree Todd later visiting Miami for the team’s final group-stage tie against Brazil. Flights for the First Minister, his private secretary and chief of staff—stated as all business class—cost over £45,000.