Ascension : Copy of Letter from Lord David Triesman to Island Councillors
Submitted by The Islander (Jacqui Ellick) 26.01.2006 (Article Archived on 09.02.2006)

Dear Councillors, Thank you for your letter of 7 December about some key issues affecting the future of Ascension Island.

Dear Councillors

Ascension Island.

Firstly, I would like to congratulate you on your election to this, the second Island Council, and to pay tribute to your predecessors.  The Island Council has achieved a great deal since its inception.  The quality of life for those living and working on the island and the management of resources have both improved significantly.  This is a testament to the hard work and dedication shown by Councillors.  I believe the introduction of democracy to Ascension has worked well, and should continue.

In your letter, you raise the issue whether those now living on the island should be granted the right of abode and opportunity to purchase property on the island.  As the team of officials that visited the island in November indicated to you, this issue gives rise to some fundamental questions for the UK Government.  Ascension is unique.  All those who currently live there do so for a particular purpose, either because they are associated with the British or US military forces; or are involved in some way in communications; or work for the Ascension Government in supporting the Users.  Without the Users, the economy of the island and its very raison d’être would be put in jeopardy.

It follows that, in considering the future of Ascension, th UK Government must take into account whether fundamental change, of the sort you propose, would impose new financial liabilities on UK taxpayers, or would introduce significant new risks. On this I am answerable through Parliament to the UK electorate.

I have therefore had to balance the aspirations of those living and working on Ascension Island against the risks to the UK in terms of contingent liabilities and security and developmental costs. I have done this extremely carefully, in the light of evidence from a wide number of sources; the views of the Users; and in particular of the points which you and others on island have made now and in the past to the Governor, Administrator and visiting FCO officials. To grant permanent right of abode and rights of property on Ascension Island would constitute a very fundamental change in the nature of the Territory, and could not fail to bring an unacceptable level of risk to the Uk. I have therefore concluded that the right of abode and the establishment of the right to purchase property will not be developed.

I realise that this decision will come as a disappointment to some on Ascension Island. I want to assure you that the UK remains committed to trying to ensure that the Territory continues to provide an appropriate environment for those who work and therefore live, on Ascension. But this must be within the existing framework.

I have sent copies of this letter to the Administrator and the Governor fro publication in the local news at the first available opportunity.

Yours etc

Signed by David Triesman

The Lord Triesman of Tottenham