James Glass attends London meetings ahead of the coronation

Chief Islander’s momentous visit to UK

Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy

Chief Islander James Glass, accompanied by his wife Felicity, flew into Heathrow from Cape Town, arriving on 21st April 2023. The following week brought individual meetings, including sessions with key fisheries figures and with the influential chair of the UK Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, Alicia Kearns MP.

James Glass on Westminster Bridge
with the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben behind.		 James under the Tristan flag flying
proudly in Parliament Square

On Wednesday 3rd May, James met with the UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, Lord Zac Goldsmith. This meeting brought an important opportunity to explain Tristan’s need for more shipping links, especially voyages that are under the island’s control. The Governor Nigel Phillips also attended, and afterwards James spoke with Adam Pile, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s Deputy Director for Overseas Territories.

Governor of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha HE Nigel Phillips,
Chief Islander James Glass and UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, Lord Zac Goldsmith

Next came a meeting at the Environment Department, where officials updated James on the work of the Blue Belt programme, within which Tristan is a major contributor of marine protection.

Above: James (2nd left) with environment officials
(L-R) Andrew Stanger, James Bell and Lois Duff

Left: James with FCDO Deputy Director for Overseas Territories Adam Pile


James and Felicity arriving for the Speaker's Reception on 3rd May 2023

The day concluded with a reception hosted by the Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP. James and Felicity met Mr Speaker and St Helena’s Chief Minister Julie Thomas, among many distinguished guests.

James and Felicity with Mr Speaker, Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP

 

Felicity and James with St Helena Chief Minister Julie Thomas in Speaker’s House

James Glass continues his momentous visit to the UK on Friday 5th May by attending a Lancaster House reception for small island developing states, hosted by Prince Edward. He and Felicity are at an early-evening reception for overseas leaders at Buckingham Palace, hosted by Their Majesties.

Principally, James will attend the coronation in Westminster Abbey on 6th May. He and Felicity will also travel to Sunday’s Coronation Concert at Windsor. We hope to publish more reports and images as the Chief Islander's momentous UK visit continues.