Brown scraps plan for 'Air Force One'

The government has dropped plans for a long-haul private jet to be used exclusively by senior ministers and the royal family, arguing that an American-style "Air Force One" plane would be too costly.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair, shortly before leaving office last year, gave the go ahead for two private planes for official travel one for short journeys and a larger plane for foreign trips that was dubbed 'Blair Force One' by the media.

But Gordon Brown - whose watchword is prudence and whose style is far less flash than his successor - has decided the financial and environmental cost of a personalised plane for foreign trips like the one used by U.S. President George W. Bush could not be justified.

The Department of Transport said on Wednesday the long-distance travel needs of the royal household and government ministers would continue to be met by chartered or scheduled flights.

One small aircraft will be bought for official use within the United Kingdom.

"This approach provides the best solution for all users whilst minimising the financial cost and environmental impact of the new service," the department said in a statement.

Brown's spokesman said the small plane would primarily be used by the royal family rather than members of the government.

"The prime minister normally travels in the UK by train, and if not, by car," he said.

The Liberal Democrats welcomed the aborted plan for 'Blair Force One', saying it was "simply an expensive status symbol to be paid for out of the public purse."

"That it has now been cancelled perhaps shows that the government is starting to reel in the worst of its excesses," said LibDem Shadow Transport spokesman Norman Baker.