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Written question asked by Rebecca Smith (Conservative) on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 May 2026 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Monday, 18 May 2026. A substantive answer was provided by Simon Lightwood (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Department for Transport: Aviation

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the answer of 24 March 2026 to WPQ 120039, what the purpose was of each flight to Kuwait; which Ministers and senior officials approved each visit; how many officials travelled on each occasion and at what grade; what the cost was of each visit; and whether an assessment was made of whether those engagements could be (a) conducted remotely and (b) combined with other travel.

Answer

The Department for Transport (DfT) undertakes essential international work

each year, including for aviation and maritime security, which includes direct engagement with other countries and international bodies. While a significant proportion of DfT’s international activity is conducted remotely, in person visits are also necessary to deliver effective engagement and technical assistance, particularly in an operational environment. The visits to Kuwait were programmed to support DfT’s ongoing international activity.

All visits were approved by a Senior Civil Servant in DfT, in line with departmental policy. Where possible, visits have been combined with other official travel.

  • January 2025: Two officials (both Senior Executive Officers) and one firearms and explosives consultant for the delivery of a workshop on Port Facility Security Assessments, Port Facility Security Plans, and Recognising Firearms and Explosives for the Kuwaiti Designated Authority. Total cost: £7,922.74

  • August 2025: One Senior Executive Officer and one Executive Officer travelling to carry out in-person engagement with stakeholders in Kuwait in support of ongoing aviation security activity. Total cost: £2,446.21

As part of the planning process for each visit, consideration was given to whether the engagement could be conducted remotely. While some preparatory and follow up activity was undertaken virtually, it was not possible to conduct these visits fully remotely.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
914
Session
2026-27
Related items
Department for Transport: Aviation
Tuesday, 24 March 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Aviation Department for Transport
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk