Boris Johnson trip to Ukraine paid for by taxpayers, say No 10

Security for Boris Johnsons surprise visit to Ukraine at the weekend was funded by taxpayers, Downing Street has said.

The former prime minister, facing fresh questions over his personal finances, said Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky had invited him to travel to Kyiv once again.

No 10 said Rishi Sunak was supportive of Mr Johnsons trip, after warnings from military figures that the former PM should not be looking for publicity and could undermine the PMs authority.

Mr Sunaks official spokesman confirmed the government paid for Mr Johnsons security as he visited some of the warn-torn suburbs around capital Kyiv on Sunday.

The costs of providing necessary protection for former prime ministers are paid for by the government. Beyond that I would not get into it, said the No 10 spokesman.