Minister’s expenses for trip to Downing Street (FOI)

Request

Can I have the total cost of the recent trip by Senators Gorst and Farnham to Number 10 Downing Street. Please include cost of :

Flights

Taxis in UK

Taxis or Car Parking Charges in Jersey

Accommodation if an over night stay was required

Food eaten during visit

Any other expenses

Response

On 17 and 18 May 2021 the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for External Relations undertook a number of engagements in London with UK Government Ministers and Parliamentarians. This included a meeting with the Prime Minister. Such engagements are an important and regular aspect of the duties of senior Ministers, and especially those who hold responsibility for the conduct of Jersey’s external relations. This was the first occasion in 2021 on which Ministers had been able to attend meetings in-person in the UK since the lifting of Covid-19 travel restrictions, and it is hoped such regular engagement will now continue as it did prior to the onset of the pandemic.

The costs requested were as follows:

Senator Gorst

Flights: £268.12

Taxis / car parking charges: £89 (shared with Senator Farnham)

Accommodation: £488.04

Senator Farnham

Flights: £231.08

Accommodation: £489