FOI - Mayor's trip to New York September 2023 [Sep 2023]

Your request

Following Mayor Khan's visit to New York in September 2023:

1. Why is it necessary for Mayor Khan to visit New York, once again?
2. What benefits or knowledge will this visit bring for the citizens of London?
3. How much has this visit cost, including transport, accommodation and all incidental expenditure?
4. How many family and staff members accompanied Mayor Khan on this visit?
5. How many overseas visits has Mayor Khan made in his role as Mayor of London?

Our response

Purpose and benefits

The purpose of the Mayor’s recent visit to New York City, from 17-20 September 2023, was to bang the drum for international investment in London and to speak at the United Nations Climate Ambition Summit.

The Mayor is determined to do everything he can to promote London’s interests overseas.  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.

During his visit, the Mayor championed London as the world’s leading destination for international tourists, investors, entrepreneurs and students at a series of conferences,  roundtables and other business-focussed events.

The Mayor also spoke at the UN Secretary General’s Climate Ambition Summit. This was  organised by the UN to coincide with the UNGA.

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.

Costs

The C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group organised and paid for the Mayor’s flights and accommodation. As of 19 September 2023, the GLA did not hold this information.

• These costs will be declared in the usual way, in accordance with the GLA’s gifts and hospitality policy. 
• Any other travel expenses to be incurred by the GLA would be processed in the usual way, in accordance with the GLA’s expenses and benefits framework. 

Accompanying staff

The Mayor was accompanied by five members of staff. He was not accompanied by any family members.

Number of overseas visits made by the Mayor

The Mayor has made 16 overseas visits since he was elected in May 2016.  For comparison, the previous Mayor made 37 overseas visits between 2008-2016.

If you have any further questions relating to this matter, please contact us, quoting reference MGLA190923-6735.