British Ambassador talks business with Icelandic President after Grimsby visit

UK Ambassador to Iceland, Jane Stevens (right), is welcomed into her role by Iceland's President, Halla Tómasdóttir. Picture: British Embassy Reykjavik UK in Iceland

Iceland's President, Halla Tómasdóttir, has formally appointed Jane Stevens as the country's UK Ambassador.

The official welcome, at which she presented her letter of credence from King Charles and discussed bilateral business, follows a visit to Grimsby Fish Market in the summer. The then HM Ambassador-designate was keen to understand the deep relationship between her forthcoming overseas posting, the town and the UK seafood industry as a whole. 

Chief executive Andrew Oliver was her guide then, and has warmly welcomed her official appointment. He said: "We were honoured to receive a visit earlier in the year as part of a knowledge-building tour, and we look forward to strengthening that relationship further, as we do with Iceland's representative here too - Thordis Kolbrun Gylfadottir - another recent visitor to Grimsby Fish Market."

Iceland supplies more than 90 per cent of the fish sold on Grimsby Fish Market, with its haddock and cod a mainstay of British menus.

The President welcomed the Ambassador to her official residence, at Alftanes, just outside Reykjavik, for the ceremony, complimenting her "perfect Icelandic" when delivering her credentials. She said: "Jane Stevens, the new ambassador of the United Kingdom to Iceland, has a strong connection with our country, and it was a particular pleasure to welcome her to work.

Andrew Oliver, chief executive of Grimsby Fish Dock Group, ‘introduces’ HM Ambassador designate to Iceland, Jane Stevens, to some Icelandic imported cod, with Honorary Consul for Iceland in the Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Immingham area, Jonathan Goolden, centre.

"We had a good conversation about the close friendship of Iceland and Britain and the multi-faceted cooperation of the nations, among other things in the fields of business, security and culture. Welcome to Iceland, Jane!"

It is Mrs Stevens' first ambassadorial role, and first overseas posting, following a career in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, handling briefs across European relations, as well as security in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Of her visit to Grimsby, she said: "Strong UK-Iceland trade helps secure a reliable source of high-quality cod and haddock for British businesses and consumers. 

“By supporting the supply chain and promoting the quality and provenance of Icelandic seafood, we are backing UK jobs, like at the Grimsby Fish Market, and giving consumers confidence in where their food comes from.”