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Written question asked by Shivani Raja (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 April 2026 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Monday, 20 April 2026. A substantive answer was provided by Simon Lightwood (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Department for Transport: British Virgin Islands

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the flights listed to the British Virgin Islands in WPQ 120039, a) what the purpose was of each such visit; b) which Ministers or senior officials approved each visit; c) how many officials travelled on each occasion and at what grade; d) what the total cost was of each visit; and e) what assessment was made of whether those engagements could be conducted remotely or combined with other travel.

Answer

The Department for Transport (DfT) has a statutory requirement under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code to monitor port security in the British Overseas Territories.

Both visits in 2025 were security assessments of 13 port facilities undertaken within five days on each visit. Meetings were also conducted, including with the Governor’s Office, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and with port security officials. DfT officials additionally delivered capability‑building training during the April visit, supporting enhanced security delivery at port facilities

The April visit involved three officials – two Senior Executive Officers (SEOs) and one Higher Executive Officer (HEO). The November visit involved one SEO and one HEO. No Ministers or Senior Officials attended.

The total cost of the April visit was £11,581.19. November was £12,706.58.

Both visits were approved by a Deputy Director (Senior Civil Servant) in DfT’s Transport Security Division in line with departmental policy.

The majority of DfT’s port security engagement with the Overseas Territories is undertaken online, however an effective assessment on whether a port is delivering on its security requirements is best completed by an onsite visit.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
127218
Session
2024-26
Related items
Department for Transport: Aviation
Tuesday, 24 March 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Department for Transport British Virgin Islands Visits abroad
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk