The Home Office has come under fire for allegedly spending £10,000 of taxpayers’ money on a lavish dinner at Searcys, the luxury restaurant located in London’s iconic Gherkin skyscraper.
Exclusive Event for Italian Delegation
According to reports, civil servants were granted special permission to use the government’s Procurement Card to host a high-end dinner for 45 guests, including senior Italian officials, in November 2024.
The Sun reported the bill to be £10,350, though this figure has yet to be independently verified.
The event was part of the Joint Strategic Security Committee meeting, reciprocating a similar event hosted by Italy the previous year.
A Home Office spokesperson defended the decision, stating that the gathering was vital for fostering agreements on international security issues such as human trafficking and organised crime.
Lavish Venue and Menu Options
Searcys, perched on the 40th floor of The Gherkin, is renowned for its panoramic views of London and fine dining.
The restaurant’s set menu costs £49 for two courses or £57 for three, with dishes such as black truffle risotto and rump steak on offer. The venue can accommodate up to 260 guests, making it a prime location for high-profile events.
Public and Political Backlash
Taxpayer advocacy groups have criticised the expenditure. John O’Connell from the TaxPayers’ Alliance called the spending “outrageous extravagance,” adding that those responsible should face accountability.
Criticism also comes amid growing collaboration between the UK and Italy under Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Starmer’s government aims to replicate Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s border control successes, which saw a 62% drop in illegal migration during the first seven months of 2024.
Labour’s Migration Policy Shift
The dinner comes as Labour distances itself from the controversial Conservative policy of sending migrants to Rwanda, which Starmer described as “dead upon taking office.” Instead, Labour focuses on international cooperation to tackle people smuggling and reduce illegal crossings into the UK.
