Tristan da Cunha Government News

Chief Islander meets UK Prime Minister

Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy

Chief Islander James Glass (at the head of the table) in JMC session on 21st November

Tristan da Cunha's Chief Islander met with the UK Prime Minister at the climax of the 2024 Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council.

Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy held a closed-door session with Territory leaders on 21 November 2024. James conveyed greetings to each of them from Tristan da Cunha. Both UK politicians underlined their firm commitment to the OTs, and Mr Lammy noted the importance of UK help with critical OT infrastructure.

Overseas Territories minister Stephen Doughty replying to James's intervention	UK PM Sir Keir Starmer Link to his speech: PM speech at UK OT JMC on 21 Nov 2024

The moment formed the centrepiece of a positive final day of JMC events. James made significant interventions in the debates, addressing the special needs of remote communities around development aid, health and education. Several of Tristan's key messages were reflected in the JMC communiqué.

JMC reception photos

Above: James Glass with Alison Leighton and Richard Pellew from the UK's Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Right: With Adrian Gahan, chair of the Great Blue Oceans coalition.
Overseas Territories minister Stephen Doughty addressed the closing reception	James with dentist Rob Pickering, who came to Tristan in 2024

James with former Administrators (2020-2022) Steve Townsend and Fiona Kilpatrick

When the formalities were over, a reception in the FCDO's sumptuous Locarno suite brought together old and recent friends of Tristan da Cunha. It was a fitting end to a productive week.

Chief Islander in key meetings at FCDO

Report and photos from Tristan Government Representative Chris Carnegy

Tristan topics aired in Westminster

Tristan Chief Islander James Glass arrives for the JMC on Wednesday 20th November 2024

The first formal day of the Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council saw key Tristan issues raised and acknowledged by the new UK minister.

UK Overseas Territory leaders gather at the start of the JMC
with OT Minister Stephen Doughty centre and James Glass fifth from the left.

Stephen Doughty MP, who leads on Overseas Territories for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, chaired the sessions on 20 November 2024.

Ministerial Council table	James Glass preparing for the plenary sessions

Chris Carnegy and James Glass in the JMC venue; the Locarno Suite at FCDO

Chief Islander with Mr Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP.	Tackling OT issues in Mr Speaker's study

Chief Islander James Glass made the case for Tristan da Cunha to have its own full status as a Territory. He explained that the island depends on worldwide exports and needs UK support in trade negotiations. And he noted that developing Tristan's economy - vital to balancing the books and enhancing quality of life - requires investment in infrastructure. Minister Doughty gave sympathetic and understanding responses.

Chief Islander (third from right) with Mr Speaker and other OT leaders.

That evening, James and other OT delegates were guests of the House of Commons Speaker. Sir Lindsay Hoyle is a keen supporter of the Territories and met the leaders to hear their concerns. Later he gave a reception that celebrated the OTs and aimed to cement their support among UK parliamentarians.

Chief Islander meets the King and Prince William

Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy

A day to remember

Chief Islander James Glass had two very special engagements on the second day of a busy Joint Ministerial Council week in London on Tuesday 19th December 2024.

Meeting with OT Minister Stephen Doughty

The UK's new Overseas Territories Minister invited the Chief Islander to a private meeting. Stephen Doughty was keen to hear about current challenges and opportunities facing Tristan. The conversation ranged across the re-tendering of Tristan's key fishing contract, the desire for Tristan to have full Territory status, and opportunities to leverage UK aid to put the island on a firmer financial footing.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arriving at the Buckingham Palace Diplomatic Ball

King Charles and Queen Camilla were hosts of the ball which is a white tie event, which means the royal women wore tiaras. Queen Camilla chose a diamond and aquamarine tiara that had belonged to Queen Elizabeth.

Chief Islander James Glass at the Diplomatic Ball held in Buckingham Palace

The Prince of Wales meeting guests at the Diplomatic Ball

In the evening, James was invited to the glittering annual Diplomatic Ball at Buckingham Palace. The climax of the night came when he was introduced to His Majesty King Charles. The monarch is a keen supporter of the Overseas Territories and is passionate about their role in environmental protection. James was also presented to HRH the Prince of Wales.

Chris Carnegy and James Glass at the Diplomatic Ball

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