FOI - Rome visit [Aug 2024]

Your request

Sadiq Khan - visited the Pope in Rome in May 2024. I would like to ask some questions please

1. Why was this visit necessary given Sadiq Khan is mayor of London?
2. Did any family members or friends and staff accompany Mr Khan to Rome?
3. How much did the whole cost of this trip cost the taxpayer?
4. What benefit to London and Londoners is there from this trip.?
5. This is not the first overseas trip Mr Khan has undertaken - The Mayor of London is not a world leader so why are these overseas necessary?
6. Finally, how many more foreign trips does Mr Khan expect to undertake in the next 3- 4 years?

Our response

I can confirm that the GLA holds some information within the scope of your request:

1. The Mayor is committed to furthering coordinated global action in order to tackle air pollution and the climate emergency. You can read about the Mayor’s participation in the ‘Climate Crisis to Climate Resilience’ summit here: https://www.london.gov.uk/media-centre/mayors-press-release/Mayor_of_Lo…
2. The Mayor was accompanied by four members of staff. He was not accompanied by any family members or friends.
3. The C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group of which the Mayor is currently co-Chair, organised and paid for travel and accommodation costs incurred by the Mayor and two members of GLA staff. The GLA covered travel and accommodation costs for the remaining two members of GLA staff which totalled £1,697.16. 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. If such costs are incurred by the GLA, this information will be published at: Sadiq Khan - Expenses | London City Hall
4. See response to point 1 above.
5. See response to point 1 above.
6. This information is not held.