Joint Ministerial Council 2023

5 May 2023

Council, Government, Press Release

Councillors Depart Island for Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council

Councillor Alan Nicholls and Councillor Laura Shearer will depart Ascension Island on Tuesday 09 May 2023, and travel to the UK to represent Ascension at the annual Overseas Territories (OTs) Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) in London.

JMC events will run from Wednesday 10 May to Friday 12 May. The JMC provides an opportunity for elected representatives of the Overseas Territories (OTs) to meet UK government ministers, discuss issues of common concern and celebrate the unique relationship OTs enjoy with the UK.

The JMC was originally scheduled for November 2022 but was postponed following the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

On his visit Councillor Nicholls, said:

“I am delighted to have been given another opportunity, to represent Ascension Island at the forthcoming Joint Ministerial Council meeting in London. The annual JMC provides an excellent platform, for elected representatives of the Overseas Territories, to meet and discuss with UK government Ministers many of the issues that the OT’s face in common. It is hoped that the forthcoming meeting with be a productive one and I very much look forward to meeting UK Ministers and engaging in the various discussions that will take place both before and during the meeting.”

On her visit Councillor Shearer, said:

“This is my first time attending the JMC since the General Election last October and it is a privilege to represent Ascension and our island community. The JMC is a fantastic opportunity to discuss important issues facing Ascension through one-on-one meetings with UK Government ministers and group meetings with other UKOTs.

This trip will allow the Ascension Council to build upon our close relationship with UK Government colleagues as well as elected leaders from other territories. I am excited to advocate for Ascension, share our successes and work together to create a brighter future for Ascension.”

Councillor Alan Nicholls will return to Ascension Island on 15 May 2023, and Councillor Shearer on 18 May 2023.