Parliament focus on day 2 of JMC Week
Report and photos from Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy
The winter sun was shining on Westminster as Day 2 of JMC Week began on 25th November, for an encounter with the House of Lords Constitution Committee.
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| With Lord Strathclyde, chairman of the Lords’ Constitution Committee | Sunshine, and the Tristan flag, in Parliament Square |
The peers are planning an inquiry that will look at the UK government's approach to policy on the Overseas Territories. I had individual conversations with its chair Lord Strathclyde and others. Despite its small size, Tristan da Cunha is often an active participant in such debates.
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| OTs minister Stephen Doughty delivering the conference keynote speech | The Speaker’s Director of External Affairs, David Clark, proudly sporting his Tristan tie |
The afternoon saw a special conference in Parliament's Portcullis House, which brought together MPs, Lords and others with an OT interest to explore two themes: modern democracy in the OTs; and the Territories' strategic importance. The event was organised by the UK Overseas Territories Association, of which Tristan da Cunha is an active member. OTs minister Stephen Doughty gave the keynote speech: he referenced his recent online meeting with Tristan's Chief Islander Ian Lavarello, noted ongoing funding to protect the Territories' precious environments, and named Tristan's recent solar-power scheme when he spoke of infrastructure projects.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper with Leaders and Ministers of Overseas Territories at the Joint Ministerial Council 2025 (Photo Ben Dance, FCDO)
Recently-appointed Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper met the JMC's heads of delegation at a special gathering inside the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. She singled-out Tristan lobster as an example of how OTs generate export goods, and noted the importance of a strong partnership with the Territories at a time of global uncertainty. I conveyed greetings to her from Ian, and thanked her for the UK's support for infrastructure work including on the roads and hospital.
Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle welcomes guests to Speaker’s House
The day ended with a lavish dinner given by the Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle. Heads of delegation were joined by other VIP guests, including the Governor of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, HE Nigel Phillips.
Formal JMC sessions begin on Wednesday 26th November.