Overview

• Transport for London data shows diplomatic missions have amassed £152.4 million in unpaid congestion charges since the scheme began in 2003.
• The US, Japanese and Chinese embassies top the list of defaulters with outstanding debts of £15.5 million, £10.6 million and £10.3 million respectively.
• In today’s debate Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb and Lord Harris of Haringey backed proposals to clamp vehicles belonging to persistent non-payers.
• Lord Purvis of Tweed called for ministers to raise the issue of these arrears with President Trump during his September state visit to London.
• Foreign Office minister Baroness Chapman highlighted modest FCDO recoveries earlier this year and warned that tougher enforcement could jeopardise security and trade relations.