Choo! Choo!

The gravy train currently departing from Number 10 complies entirely with the relevant regulations. It does go some way to explaining how the Blair's are going to pay off that enormous mortgage.
A Downing Street spokesman said:

Mrs Blair's engagement has been arranged for some time. It is a private engagement and she is travelling independently of the prime minister's party. If she and the prime minister are in Washington at the same time it is a coincidence.

Yet another conformation, as if it were needed, that a Downing Street spokesman can avoid the actual issue with breathtaking ease.
Concerns over unethical behaviour? Our great leaders wife exploiting a grey area for money?
Not to worry. Just wheel out the Downing Street spokesman to make a denial based on a triviality only marginally connected to the controversial behaviour of Mrs Blair.

Nice work if you can get it.