MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Overseas Territories talks positive says Falklands councilor
Airbridge pricing in the agenda of Minister Merron with Cllr Summers “POSITIVE and constructive” was how Falklands councillor Mike Summers described talks held at the Overseas Territories Consultative Council (OTCC) this week.
Councillor Summers attended the meetings along with the Islands' Governor Alan Huckle and Falklands Government Representative in London, Sukey Cameron. On the first day of the meetings the Falklands delegation made contributions to the discussions on 'Good Governance and the future of the White Paper', and on the current world economic situation, Councillor Summers told Mercopress. He said: "Commitment to good governance and the developing relationships between Overseas Territories and Her Majesty's Government engendered lively discussion. On economic issues we were particularly keen to understand the UK Treasury view on the weakness of the pound and the likely longer term perspective, which was suggested, should be a strengthening against the dollar and parity against the Euro." On the second day Councillor Summers lead a discussion on the European Union/Overseas Territories Council relationship and the consultation process, which has commenced longer, term arrangements. He said there would be further discussion on this at the EU Forum in Cayman. They also contributed to the debate on Climate Change and Environmental Protection, stressing the need for significantly more large scale funding for environmental issues, which transcend national boundaries. Summers commented, "At our bi-lateral with the new Minister, Gillian Merron, we had a positive discussion on a number of issues, and I was able to brief her on current issues including airbridge pricing on which she has expressed a willingness to consult further with other Ministers. "In the margins of the main programme I attended two Select Committee discussions at the Commons on OTC/EU relations and FASC, and managed to meet with a number of MP's. "It has been a busy but productive few days." The OTCC, held each year in London, is a key annual event in the British Government/Overseas Territories calendar, providing a forum for the elected leaders of Britain's Overseas Territories and their representatives to discuss high-level policy with a team of British Government Ministers. The OTCC concluded yesterday after two full days of discussions. by Lisa Johnston – SeAled PR - Stanley
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