UK Lords learn about Tristan at evidence session in Parliament
Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy
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Chris with Richard Hyslop, UK Representative of the Falklands Islands. |
Chris with Tristan Administrator Philip Kendall in Westminster Hall. |
Tristan da Cunha had a moment in the political spotlight on 25th February, as the Lords’ Constitution Committee heard evidence for their inquiry on how the UK handles relations with the Overseas Territories.
I represented the islands’ government at the hearing, in a historic committee room within the Palace of Westminster.
General view of the Lords Constituion Committee in session.
Chris Carnegy is at the far end of the table alongside Richard Hyslop,
with Philip Kendall sitting in between them behind.
Chris during the session.
Peers asked about Tristan’s key current issues. I listed high shipping costs, a severely strained budget, demographic changes and issues with South African visas.
Discussion then moved on to the multiple policy statements, existing and proposed, that frame the relationship. I noted that for a practical place such as Tristan, real outcomes matter more than the titles of documents - but the island is still keen to co-author its own ‘compact’ with the UK. Beyond that, contributors generally agreed that the 2012 White Paper, which sets-out overall policy on the Territories, badly needs updating.
Committee member Lord Griffiths helpfully observed that Tristan needs more financial aid than it currently gets. And a question from Lord Bichard gave me a chance to observe that the old White Paper had held-out the prospect of resolving issues with Calshot Harbour.
The Committee plans to publish its report around Easter.
Link to view recording of the session: Parliamentlive.tv - Constitution Committee