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.
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| Ministerial Council table | James Glass preparing for the plenary sessions |
Chris Carnegy and James Glass in the JMC venue; the Locarno Suite at FCDO
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| 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.