Cabinet minister Michael Gove has suggested the taxpayer should donate a new royal yacht to Queen Elizabeth II to mark her diamond jubilee.
The education secretary made the proposal in a letter to Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt that has been obtained by the Guardian newspaper.
Labour said the idea demonstrated Mr Gove was “out of touch” to think such expenditure was appropriate at a time when school budgets were being cut. A new yacht is likely to cost in the region of £60 million (€72 million).
But, in his letter, Mr Gove wrote: “In spite, and perhaps because of the austere times, the celebration should go beyond those of previous jubilees and mark the greater achievement that the diamond anniversary represents.”
He writes that the Queen’s “highly significant contribution” to Britain and the Commonwealth should be recognised with a “lasting legacy”.
“Events such as proms and the party at the palace organised for the diamond jubilee, and street parties, although excellent, are transient,” he writes. “It would be appropriate to do something that will mark the significance of this occasion with fitting ceremony.
“My suggestion would be a gift from the nation to her majesty; thinking about David Willetts’s excellent suggestion of a royal yacht, and something tangible to commemorate this momentous occasion.” Mr Gove also argues that the diamond jubilee celebrations should not be secondary to the Olympics.
“The diamond jubilee must not be overshadowed by the Olympic Games, but form an integral part of this great year for our country,” he writes.
Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg has dismissed the idea, however. While voters see this year’s milestone as a “wonderful occasion”, a multimillion-pound vessel is not their priority at a time of cuts elsewhere, Mr Clegg said.
Labour Party deputy chairman Tom Watson said: “We’re all looking forward to the diamond jubilee. The significance of the occasion should be celebrated across the country. But Michael Gove has shown he is out of touch with this proposal.
“When school budgets are being slashed, parents will be wondering how Gove came even to suggest this idea. This is not the time to spend £60 million on a yacht.”