Speeches by Mundell.

“Can I ask you first, UnaMay, given the decisions the UK Government have made in terms of how they will prioritise their funding, which areas of focus should the Government seek to prioritise in their work with Jamaica and other small island developing states?”

“It is, but I want to ask you a more general question first about the perception and influence of the UK in the Caribbean and also your role as Minister for the Commonwealth. I was at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Barbados, and an undercurrent there was the increased influence of the United St…”

“With your Commonwealth hat on, there is a huge amount that the Commonwealth and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association can do in that field. There was a very good debate at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference about climate change but also about the SIDS looking for exactly the sort of support you …”

“Since the US does not allow a mention of climate change in any diplomatic discussions, that assuredly is an advantage for the UK.”

“It is, but I want to ask you a more general question first about the perception and influence of the UK in the Caribbean and also your role as Minister for the Commonwealth. I was at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Barbados, and an undercurrent there was the increased influence of the United St…”

“It is interesting to hear that. In 2023 the previous Government launched the UK Small Islands Developing States Strategy 2022-26. How satisfied are you with the progress on the six areas highlighted in the strategy in the period to date?”

“Since the US does not allow a mention of climate change in any diplomatic discussions, that assuredly is an advantage for the UK.”

“It is interesting to hear that. In 2023 the previous Government launched the UK Small Islands Developing States Strategy 2022-26. How satisfied are you with the progress on the six areas highlighted in the strategy in the period to date?”

“With your Commonwealth hat on, there is a huge amount that the Commonwealth and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association can do in that field. There was a very good debate at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference about climate change but also about the SIDS looking for exactly the sort of support you …”

“Who within the international community would you have expected to be leading?”

“Very quickly, UnaMay, on that point, before the next hurricane arrives, who would you have expected to lead the response?”

“We have already heard some examples but beginning with you, UnaMay, what lessons can the UK draw from its response to Hurricane Melissa to help prepare responses for future crises?”

“Which Government—your Government?”

“Which Government—your Government?”

“Who within the international community would you have expected to be leading?”

“As they say, you have it on the record.”

“We have already heard some examples but beginning with you, UnaMay, what lessons can the UK draw from its response to Hurricane Melissa to help prepare responses for future crises?”

“Very quickly, UnaMay, on that point, before the next hurricane arrives, who would you have expected to lead the response?”

“Yes.”

“Can I ask you first, UnaMay, given the decisions the UK Government have made in terms of how they will prioritise their funding, which areas of focus should the Government seek to prioritise in their work with Jamaica and other small island developing states?”