EIR - Flights taken by the Mayor last year [Nov 2023]

Copy of request:

I'm trying to find some information and am hoping you can assist me. I'm trying to find out the yearly mileage of the mayor (…) average mileage of flights taken for work related activity (not personal flights like holidays). I'm trying to calculate the amount of pollution those in charge produce on average in comparison the pollution produced by a civilian.

You clarified a date range for your request:

12 months from today would be fine [9 October 2022-9 October 2023]

Our response:

As of 9 October 2023, the GLA does not hold information on the average mileage of flights taken within the timeframe indicated above.

However, I can confirm the Mayor has undertaken two international visits in that period. 

The objective of the Mayor’s international visits is to champion London’s interests via engagement with key audiences overseas.  One of the principal purposes of the Greater London Authority (GLA), as set out in the GLA Act (1999) , is to promote economic development and wealth creation in Greater London.  As a leading global city, it’s important to the economy of London and the UK that the capital continues to attract international tourists, investors, entrepreneurs, startups, scaleups and students, all of which help to drive economic growth and job creation for all Londoners. 

The GLA Act (1999) also stipulates that the GLA and Mayor must promote the improvement of the environment in Greater London.  The Mayor has therefore set out some of the most ambitious plans to tackle climate change in the world, and is committed to working collaboratively with the leaders of other major cities, multilateral organisations, business and civil society, to drive further climate action.

The two international visits undertaken between 9 October 2022 and 9 October 2023 are as follows:

1. C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, October 2022

London to Buenos Aires return flight 18-21 October 2022

As the elected Chair of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40), the Mayor led critical discussions at the 8^th C40 World Mayors Summit, including on how cities can cut emissions more quickly, create green jobs and protect their people from the worst effects of climate change. The Summit was the largest convening of C40 mayors post pandemic, committed to taking action to tackling the climate crisis. Further details can be found in the related FOI: MGLA251022-2003.

2. United Nations Climate Ambition Summit, September 2023

London to New York return flight 17-20 September 2023

The purpose of the Mayor’s recent visit to New York City, from 17-20 September, was to bang the drum for international investment in London and to speak at the United Nations Climate Ambition Summit.

Visiting New York during the UN General Assembly (UNGA) was an important opportunity to engage with American and global businesses, and to exchange knowledge and best practice with local, regional, and national government leaders. The Mayor was given the opportunity to address participating world leaders following a personal invitation from the UN Secretary General. This was the first time a Mayor from the UK has received an invitation to speak at such an event, emphasising London’s pivotal role in advancing and implementing climate action. You can watch the Mayor’s intervention at the Summit (at 2 hours 21 minutes).

Please note that details of all international visits made by the Mayor are shared in his monthly Mayor’s Reports to the Assembly, which can be found online at Mayor's reports to the Assembly.

If you have any further questions relating to this matter, please contact me, quoting the reference MGLA101023-8149.

If you are unhappy with the way the GLA has handled your request, you may complain using the GLA’s FOI complaints and internal review procedure.