Councillors Depart Island for Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council
20 November 2025
Government, Press Release
The Ascension Island Government (AIG) would like to update the public that councillors Laura Shearer and Councillor Thomas Barnes will depart Ascension Island on Friday 21 November 2025, and travel to the UK to represent Ascension at the annual Overseas Territories (OTs) Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) arranged by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office in London.
The JMC and diplomatic events will run throughout the week of the councillors’ attendance in London. The JMC provides an opportunity for elected representatives of the British OTs to meet UK government ministers, discuss issues of common concern,
and celebrate the unique relationship OTs enjoy with the UK.
On her visit, Councillor Shearer said:
“It is a privilege as a returning Island Council member to represent the Ascension community 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 further discuss with UK government ministers the issues that we face on our unique island. It is hoped that the forthcoming meeting will be productive, and I look forward to meeting UK ministers and engaging in the various discussions that will take place before and during the meeting.”
On his visit, Councillor Barnes said:
“This is my first time attending the JMC, and I look forward to representing 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 UK OTs. This trip will allow the Ascension Council to build upon our close relationship with UK government colleagues and 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.”
Office of the Administrator
20 November 2025
