BLACKBURN MP Jack Straw has defended his continued use of a chauffeur-driven Government car on grounds of security.

Mr Straw was criticised alongside other former Labour ministers in a national newspaper for ‘clinging’ on to his car 'at taxpayers’ expense'.

But the former Justice Secretary, who is stiil using official cars six weeks after his party lost the general election, said it was not a privilege that he was abusing.

The vehicle and officers who accompany it are intended to provide security for current and former ministers.

Mr Straw, who was Foreign Minister during the Iraq war, said: “For all ministers who have access to government cars and police protection it will eventually be phased out.

“But the Home Office and their security advisors have to conduct risk assessments and decide when it is appropriate for this to happen as they have to be certain that former ministers are no longer at risk of being attacked.

“It is entirely untrue that we are abusing the system. This is not a privilege it is purely for security reasons and I do not want police protection or my car for a day longer than is neccessary.”

A clutch of former Labour ministers, including former Northern Ireland secretary Shaun Woodward, Alan Johnson and David Miliband, have retained their chauffeur-driven government cars.

Their use of the cars is now to be reviewed by a government committee, which includes security experts.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “The government is committed to ensuring the costs for protective security arrangements are continually reviewed and withdrawn when they are no longer required.”

Tony Blair continues to have a government car, and armed police on his door, at a reported cost of £6m a year to taxpayers’.

Baroness Thatcher also has the protection, as do Northern Ireland ministers who served during the Troubles, such as Lord Mason, who held the post between 1976 and 1979.