The Minister responsible for the UK Government’s Constitutional Relationship with the Crown Dependencies, Mike Freer MP, spent a day in Alderney to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the Island.
The Minister met States Members and senior Civil Servants before embarking on a tour of the Island.
Minister Freer said: “It has been a pleasure to visit Alderney and meet with the President and States Members to better understand the challenges facing the island and their plans for the future.
“I was very moved by my visit to Lager Sylt, the site of a Nazi forced-labour camp during the Second World War, and by my visit to the Hammond Memorial. The visit has reaffirmed the historic ties between Alderney and the UK.”
Discussions with States Members included Sea and Air Transport, Healthcare, Education and Housing. Nigel Vooght, Chairman of the Policy & Finance Committee, said after the meeting at the Island Hall: “The Minister was very interested in how we are delivering the Island Plan, especially as regards transport and the importance of the rehabilitation of the runway.
“It was also particularly pleasing to see the level at which our officers engaged with the Ministry of Justice team as our relationship with the MoJ is extremely important to Alderney.”
States of Alderney President William Tate commented: “It was a pleasure to host the visit of the Minister and have the opportunity of showcasing our Island, demonstrating what a unique place it is, and what a close-knit, caring community we are.”
The Minister also met with representatives from the Alderney Chamber of Commerce over a buffet lunch and as well as Lager Sylt and the Hammond Memorial, he visited the Airport, Hospital, Harbour Office and an Age Concern social afternoon in the Island Hall.
Pictured: Left to right – Elaine Cobb, Head of Crown Dependencies Team, MoJ; Rhianna Camsell, Private Secretary to the Minister; Alex Snowdon (States Member); William Tate, States of Alderney President; Ian Carter (States Member); Mike Freer MP, Under Secretary of State, MoJ; Bruce Woodhead (States Member); Nigel Vooght, Chairman, Policy & Finance Committee; Lin Maurice (States Member); Boyd Kelly (States Member); Steve Roberts (States Member); Derwent Smithurst (States Member); Liz Maurice, Temporary Chief Executive, States of Alderney; Vincent Couch, Senior Policy Advisor, MoJ; Laura Baines, Political & Senior Executive Officer, States of Alderney
