TORY Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson MP clocked up costly air miles last year as he jetted around the world to promote the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The hawkish minister made over 20 foreign trips at taxpayers’ expense, with one journey alone costing a quarter of the £156,000 total, according to newly released government data.

His most expensive trip was to Nigeria in November 2018, where he posed with local troops who are fighting Boko Haram militants.

The two day trip cost £61,000 in total, with £43,000 spent on domestic flights in Nigeria.

The Morning Star understands that Mr Williamson had to use a pricey military flight to reach a dangerous and remote part of northern Nigeria.

However an equally risky trip, to Afghanistan in August 2018, only cost £1,600.

Mr Williamson also racked up £6,500 on a four-day trip to Oman, where he posed in a tank as part of a military exercise to support the country’s dictator Sultan Qaboos.

The MoD’s junior ministers were just as busy, with the department’s leading figures making more than 70 foreign trips between them costing almost £300,000 in total, with several visits to repressive regimes in the Gulf and east Africa.

An MoD spokesperson said: “Overseas travel plays an important role in allowing ministers to fulfil their duties in supporting the armed forces and making decisions that will affect both personnel and overseas operations.

“Travel costs are kept to a minimum, but on a few occasions additional expense is incurred due to the security situation on the ground needing specialist transportation.”

WAR TOURS

• Gavin Williamson - two days in Nigeria - internal flights £43,860 (Photo: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/defence-secretary-reaffirms-commitmen...)
• Gavin Williamson - four days in Oman - £6,543 - (Photo: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-cements-position-in-gulf-with-new-...)
• Gavin Willaimson - dinner in New York - £11,173
• Mark Lancaster - week long tour of East Africa - £33,715