Hillsborough Castle via Guantanamo Bay detention camp

Northern Ireland via Siberian power station and Guantanamo Bay

New Minister of State David Hanson MP arrived in Northern Ireland yesterday morning and got straight down to business by meeting senior officials for briefings on his new areas of responsibility. Speaking as he arrived in Belfast David Hanson said: “I am delighted to be here and to have the opportunity to serve the people of Northern Ireland as part of this new Ministerial team."

His journey took a little bit longer than expected as he flew via an old Stalinist power station in Siberia followed by a friendly visit to the US Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay. David Hanson explained his long route: “As Minister with responsibility for political development, criminal justice, social development and culture, arts and leisure, I am excited by the challenges that lie ahead and plan to engage with as many people as possible as I develop these important areas of work.”