TRIPS overseas funded by foreign governments at no expense to MPs are far from “jolly ups”, and more fact finding missions.

This was the claim made by the MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock when quizzed on numerous trips overseas on official duty.

MP Stephen Metcalfe had an all expenses paid trip to Saudi Arabia in February this year, while in September last year he spent eight days in Taipei, Taiwan, visiting the Republic of China.

The leading MP’s trip to Taiwan was funded by the ministry of foreign affairs, Republic of China, to the tune of £5,000 to cover flights, internal travel, accommodation and hospitality.

While the Saudi Arabia ministry of foreign affairs donated £7,802 to cover flights, transport, food and accommodation for the four-day trip.

But Mr Metcalfe insisted these trips are all about business.

The Saudi Arabia trip was described as a “Parliamentary fact finding in order to gain a deeper understanding of the strategic links between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UK”, while the Taiwan trip was with the aim of gaining a better understanding of the economic and political issues concerning the country.”

Mr Metcalfe insisted both of these countries could be valuable trade assets in the future, following the UK’s exit of the European Union.

Mr Metcalfe said: “From time to time as members of parliament we are invited on visits like these.

“They tend to be fact finding visits.

“I visited Taiwan to understand the relationship between Taiwan and China, and Taiwan is a country we may strike a deal with post Brexit.

“It was the same with the trip to Saudi Arabia, I was invited by the Conservative Middle East Council, although it was paid for by Saudi Arabia Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“They were both very successful trips, I think people tend to think they are jolly ups but it is very much business.

“There is not much fun in wearing a suit in 40 degree, the trips tend to be back to back meetings, and I don’t think there was much free time on either trip.

“We visit cultural sites of course, but we are on duty the whole time.”