Piste-loving Liz Truss enjoyed a skiing holiday to enhance Parliamentary relations, despite her departure from the Commons nearly two years ago.
The former Prime Minister participated in the 70th Parliamentary Ski Week in Davos alongside six other ex-Tory MPs. This event aims to strengthen ties between the UK, Switzerland, and the European Union. Truss achieved third place in the women’s skiing race during the event.
However, Truss’s presence at the gathering sparked criticism from individuals concerned about her political views resembling those of former US President Donald Trump. Some believe her participation may not benefit Britain’s interests and suggest that more influential figures should have attended instead.
Labour Party chair Anna Turley criticized Truss for her past actions while in office, highlighting the financial difficulties faced by working families due to her decisions. Turley urged Truss to take responsibility for the impact of her policies and to prioritize addressing the consequences on family finances instead of engaging in leisure activities.
Truss, who had a brief tenure as Tory PM lasting only 49 days, expressed her aspiration to emulate the “MEGA – Make England Great Again” movement, inspired by Trump’s MAGA concept. Initially a Remain supporter during the EU referendum in 2016, Truss later shifted her stance to become a strong advocate for Brexit, emphasizing the potential of a post-EU Britain.
Apart from skiing, participants at the Parliamentary Ski Week enjoyed luxurious dining experiences at upscale restaurants in Davos, known for offering high-priced dishes and beverages. The event, established in 1956 to promote diplomatic relations after World War II, serves as a platform for networking, political discussions, and fostering close ties between the British and Swiss Parliaments.
Among the attendees were former Tory MPs Sara Britcliffe, Tim Loughton, Lady Victoria Borwick, Sally-Ann Hart, Henry Smith, and Ben Everitt, each with their own political backgrounds and controversies. The event also saw the presence of current Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade Andrew Griffith, as well as Tory peers and the British Ambassador to Switzerland.
The Davos tourist board, a partial sponsor of the event, emphasized its role in enhancing bilateral relations between the UK and Switzerland. The event is hailed as a pivotal occasion for maintaining strong connections between the two countries in political, sporting, and cordial terms.