South africa is currently tendering for a jet for 32 seats plus showers and a comference room.
We have a global diplomatic network and interests and uk ministers regularly go overseas. The issue isnt whether to travel or not, the issue is how to travel as cheaply as possible to the taxpayer. Remember we used to do exactly this on the vc10 fleet.
I have no problem with the UK having an official jet as its a lot less embarrassing than seeing the grown ups pull in un a random sleazy jet. Plus it saves money to boot. Good enough for me.
£10m is a pittance these days in govt spending.