Councillors Kerry Benjamin and Alan Nicholls return from the Joint Ministerial Council 2024

6 December 2024

Government, Press Release

Island Councillors Kerry Benjamin and Alan Nicholls successfully represented Ascension at the Overseas Territories’ Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) in London. The JMC, hosted by the UK Government, is a pivotal event that brings together elected leaders and representatives from the UK’s Overseas Territories along with UK Government Ministers. It serves as a crucial platform for consultation, strengthening the ties between the UK and its Overseas Territories. The UK Prime Minister attended the event, making the following remarks.

Councillors Benjamin and Nicholls had various official engagements and meetings, advocating for the interests of the island and contributing to the broader discussions that shape the relationship between the Overseas Territories and the UK.

Regarding his attendance at the JMC, Councillor Nicholls said:

“I was delighted to have been given yet another opportunity, to represent Ascension Island at the 12^thJoint Ministerial Council meeting in London, especially in view of the fact that this was the first meeting with the new Labour government. Top of the agenda for this JMC was growth, climate, security, governance, and transparency as the new UK government strengthens its partnership with the UK Overseas Territories. We also discussed ways to transform how the UK and Overseas Territories work together on shared challenges, within a respectful and sustainable constitutional partnership. It was a pleasure to discuss Ascension Island’s concerns with Minister Doughty (Minister for the Overseas Territories) and make appropriate interventions, on behalf of Ascension Island, at the JMC meeting. Overall, I would say that, from my point of view, the JMC meeting was a productive one, conducted in an open and friendly atmosphere.”

Councillor Kerry Benjamin also shared her thoughts:

“I was very grateful to be able to attend my first JMC as an Ascension Island Councillor. It was a great learning and partnership building experience for me, I felt that positive connections were reinforced and created with the other OTs, especially those in the South Atlantic region, with whom we share the most common ground. Talks with Minister Doughty, and other key ministers, left me feeling hopeful that this Government truly do want to build a better relationship with us. We were also fortunate to be invited to an evening at Buckingham Palace, and had the honour of meeting HM King Charles III, and HRH Prince William, who both spoke fondly of their brief encounters with Ascension. A great experience all round, but after seeing snow fall in London, and several days of bitter cold, I was very glad to return home to some proper island-style Christmas weather!”