The new UK government has committed to working more closely with
the Overseas Territories to boost growth, tackle climate change,
crack down on crime, boost good governance and improve financial
transparency, as the leaders of the Overseas Territories meet
with UK Ministers at the Joint Ministerial Council in London this
week.
The event marks a key point in the new UK government's
relationship with the Overseas Territories, as the new government
seeks a fresh approach based on closer working and mutual
respect, to further strengthen bonds with the British family of
Overseas Territories.
Minister for the Overseas Territories will welcome elected
leaders and ministers from across the 14 Overseas Territories to
listen to their ideas on how to transform the UK-Overseas
Territories' relationship to deliver greater security and
prosperity, deliver high standards of governance and
transparency, and address the dual climate and nature crises.
The UK's enduring partnership with the Overseas Territories is
highly valued by this government. Alongside our deep people to
people ties and shared history, the Overseas Territories
make strong economic contributions, oversee 94% of Britain's
unique species and key marine and land ecosystems, and extend
Britain's global presence in a range of strategically important
regions. Many too are on the frontline of the impacts of climate
change.
This week, Minister Doughty will also underline the UK's
unwavering commitment to defend the Overseas Territories and
their sovereignty and rights, including to self-determination.
Minister for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories
said:
“The Overseas Territories are an invaluable part of the British
family, and we are focussed on delivering on the issues that
matter to them, including prosperity, climate change,
infrastructure, and security - as well as working in partnership
with them to ensure sustainable societies, good governance and
transparency that deliver positive outcomes for all of us.
“This new government is committed to further building our
relationship with the Overseas Territories on the basis of mutual
respect and inclusion, and I'm looking forward to continued
working with leaders to transform how we deliver for all our
people and bring our family closer together.”
Delegates will attend meetings at the Foreign, Commonwealth and
Development Office in London over the next four days, where the
Minister will lead conversations with leaders and representatives
on collective action to be taken on a range of key issues,
including security, irregular migration, financial transparency,
climate change, infrastructure and economic resilience.
Overseas Territories present at the meeting will include
Anguilla, Ascension, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the
Cayman Islands, the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat,
Pitcairn, the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, St
Helena, Tristan da Cunha and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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