TONY BLAIR is to shrug off criticism of his frequent use of the Queen’s Flight and press ahead with plans for a new ministerial jet.

Blair has decided to opt for the VIP aircraft despite Gordon Brown’s refusal to foot the bill, expected to be about £30m.

The chancellor has been left isolated by cabinet colleagues who argue that the lack of a dedicated aircraft for Blair and the royal family risks turning Britain into “an international laughing stock”.

Ministers will begin thrashing out a deal to pay for the plane, nicknamed Blair Force One, without Treasury help, dividing the cost between Whitehall departments.

Last week, Blair was accused of using the Queen’s Flight — an ageing fleet of RAF planes — as a “personal taxi service” after it emerged he had flown to holidays on the aircraft. Blair uses the planes about 60 times a year while the Queen calls upon the fleet only about eight times.

Margaret Beckett, the environment secretary, and former defence secretary Geoff Hoon, have also been regular users of Queen’s Flight aircraft according to breakdowns released under the Freedom of Information Act. Beckett once used a jet to fly 100 miles from the East Midlands to Humberside at a cost to the taxpayer of £1,160 compared to a first-class rail ticket of about £70. Hoon flew approximately 73 miles by helicopter from Battersea to Brize Norton, Oxfordshire at a cost of £1,451.

The new VIP aircraft, to be used exclusively by government ministers and the royals, is likely to be commissioned from Airbus, the European aerospace manufacturer, or Boeing, its American rival. Both companies have held talks with Cabinet Office officials.

Airbus has offered a choice of three types of corporate jet, all with a £30m price tag. They could be fitted with up to 40 seats. Boeing has also offered a choice, including a 777 that could be adapted for Blair.

Officially, the government is awaiting publication of a report by Sir Peter Gershon, Downing Street’s efficiency adviser, commissioned to investigate the case for Blair Force One.

Privately, however, ministers have decided to go ahead, with Gershon’s support expected. Boeing and Airbus predict an “imminent” announcement on whether one or more planes will be bought or leased. Downing Street insiders say cabinet ministers opposed to a dedicated jet were persuaded after a plane chartered to fly the prime minister back from South Africa broke down in February.

Blair missed a key Commons vote on identity cards after the 36-year-old DC-8 aircraft was grounded in Johannesburg.

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