Tristan da Cunha Government News Abroad

Blue Belt celebrates ten years

Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy

Overseas Territories minister Stephen Doughty gives the keynote speech

Tristan da Cunha's globally-important contribution to ocean conservation was in the spotlight at a celebration to mark ten years of the Blue Belt.

Tristan's Marine Protection Zone is the largest fully-protected reserve in the Atlantic and is a major part of the Blue Belt programme, which supports UK Overseas Territories in stewardship of their ocean environments.

Environment Policy Officer Andy Schofield and I represented Tristan at the event, held in the imposing Locarno Suite at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London. It was staged on World Oceans Day, 8th June 2026. Many friends of Tristan also attended.

The UK's Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty gave the keynote speech. He recognised OT communities whose lives are 'unbreakably linked to the sea', and especially praised the commitment of young islanders to their environments.

Tristan's conservation achievements were highlighted in the exhibition space

Territory UK Representatives line up with minister Doughty

Chris with the FCDO's Blue Belt lead Kylie Bamford

Joy as Tristanians arrive in Weymouth
The four Tristan islanders who were potentially exposed to Hantavirus on the MV Hondius have completed their isolation period in the UK. 7-Jun-2026
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Tristan prominent during Overseas Territories Day

Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy

Entrance of the exhibition in Portcullis House

 

Tristan da Cunha Co-Chair John Cooper at the exhibition

Tristan da Cunha played a prominent role in the London events that marked Overseas Territories Day on Monday 1st June 2026. An exhibition opened in Portcullis House, a key Westminster venue that will attract attention from UK Parliamentarians. It showcases Tristan's importance in environmental stewardship and in international trade. A reception at Speaker's House saw Overseas Territories minister Stephen Doughty and Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle each lavish praise on the teams that helped Tristan tackle the recent Hantavirus outbreak. Tristan da Cunha Association co-chair John Cooper was one of the specially-invited guests. Evensong at Westminster Abbey that day saw special prayers for the UKOTs.

Left: Chris at the exhibition

John and Chris with Sir Lindsay Hoyle at the reception in Mr Speaker's state rooms	Stephen Doughty, minister for the Overseas Territories, thanked all those involved in the historic airdrop of medical personnel and supplies to Tristan

Chris and John spoke with deputy Speaker Caroline Nokes MP and FCDO Overseas Territories Director Robbie Bulloch

OT Representatives and senior UK politicians

Chris at Westminster Abbey for Overseas Territories Day evensong

An early chance to thank UK ministers for historic mission
Tristan represented at State Opening of Parliament, 13th May 2026. 13-May-2026
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UK experts reach out to Tristan
FCDO and British Expertise International link with Overseas Territories 27-Mar-2026
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Tristan embraced by the Commonwealth
2026 Commonwealth Day report 16-Mar-2026
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Administrator's early 2026 trip overseas
Covering important meetings and events 28-Feb-2026
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UK Lords learn about Tristan at evidence session in Parliament
Important issues raised with the constituion committee on 25th February 2026 27-Feb-2026
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Finance in focus, and Tristan friends gather, as JMC concludes
Chief Islander takes part again by internet-link 28-Nov-2025
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