by Rebecca Hannant
Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart went on a round trip of nearly 7,000 miles to take part in the crucial Commons vote on the Government’s Rwanda Bill.
Mr Stuart, who is the minister for energy security and net-zero, is attending the COP28 summit in Dubai, representing the UK in discussions with world leaders on improving energy security while combating climate change.
Downing Street later confirmed that Mr Stuart had left the conference to return to London for the vote, which the Government won by a majority of 44, but there were a number of abstentions, including former ministers Suella Braverman and Robert Jenrick.
Mr Stuart, who voted for the Rwanda Bill, then flew back to Dubai after the vote, clocking up a total of 6,824 miles.
A Government spokesman said: “Minister Stuart has returned to the UK to attend Parliament in his role as an MP.
“There will continue to be full official representation on the ground at the summit, including by Lord Benyon at ministerial level.
“Minister Stuart will continue to be the lead UK minister for negotiations and remains in constant contact with the UK Lead Climate Negotiator and Lord Benyon, with any final decisions agreed with him.”
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “This Government is not anti-flying.
“We don’t lecture the public to that regard. The most important thing is the outcomes of COP, which minister Stuart is obviously leading for the UK on.”
