Details of the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy's trip to COP30: FOI release

Information requested

1. Total Cost: The final total expenditure for the Cabinet Secretary’s trip to COP30.

2. Itemised Breakdown: A breakdown of these costs into the following categories:

(a) Travel (including flights, internal transfers, and any carbon offsetting costs);
(b) Accommodation;
(c) Subsistence;
(d) Any other associated costs (including but not limited to visa fees, event registration, or delegation support).

3. Accompanying Staff: The number of officials or special advisers who accompanied the Cabinet Secretary, and the total cost associated with their travel and attendance.

Response

1. The total cost for the Cabinet Secretary’s trip to COP30 was £16,738.47

2. This cost is broken down into the following categories:

Travel – £10,000.68
Accommodation – £6,418.76
Subsistence – £104.03
Associate costs - £215

3. The Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by three Scottish Government officials. The total final cost associated with their travel and attendance was £38,902.28. This figure includes costs that were processed and reviewed after the publication of the estimated costs within a PQ on 1 December 2025:
https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-41890

The Scottish Government applied the principle of value for money throughout the planning and delivery of COP30. All international travel for COP30 was approved in line with ministerial travel policy and standard Scottish Government rules for travel and subsistence costs were applied.

To ensure compliance with appropriate safety standards associated with an international visit, the Cabinet Secretary and officials stayed in accommodation vetted by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

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