The Conservative Friends of the Overseas Territories [CFOT] has launched a new policy paper, setting out 36 recommendations for what they termed a “new era of partnership between the United Kingdom and the 14 British Overseas Territories.”
A spokesperson said, “The paper was launched earlier this month at a reception at the Conservative Party Conference, in the presence of Shadow Overseas Territories Minister Wendy Morton MP, Conservative MPs and Peers
“A New Era of Partnership: Sovereignty, Security and Sustainability – Redefining the UK Relationship with the Overseas Territories argues that the relationship needs a long-term reset, placing self-government, democratic representation, territorial security and sustainable prosperity at its heart.
“Among its most significant proposals is that each Overseas Territory should have dedicated representation in the House of Lords, giving Territory governments a permanent Westminster voice on matters affecting their constitutional position, security, international relationships and wider interests.
“The paper stresses that this representation should strengthen, not replace, the democratic authority of each Territory’s elected government and legislature.
Key recommendations
“The report sets out 39 recommendations across four pillars: governance and constitutional reform; security and resilience; the environment, sustainable development and tourism; and sustainable economic development.
“Its principal proposals include:
“A representative for every Overseas Territory in the House of Lords: Dedicated representation for each Territory to give their interests a stronger and more consistent voice at Westminster.
“Parliamentary safeguards for sovereignty: Require parliamentary approval before fundamental changes to an Overseas Territory’s sovereignty, constitutional status or territorial integrity can take effect.
“A new UK–Overseas Territories strategy: Publish a long-term strategy within the first year of a future Conservative government, developed jointly with Territory governments and supported by individual agreements setting out priorities, responsibilities and measurable outcomes.
“Prime Ministerial leadership: Establish a Cabinet Committee on the Overseas Territories, chaired by the Prime Minister, with cross-government representation and participation from Territory governments that would report to Parliament on a regular basis.
“A “no surprises” commitment: Ensure Territory governments are consulted early and kept informed about UK decisions, legislation and international negotiations that could materially affect them.
“A stronger security partnership: Create a permanent UK–OT Security and Resilience Partnership, strengthen intelligence-sharing and maritime surveillance, tackle illegal fishing and organised crime, protect critical infrastructure and improve disaster preparedness.
“Long-term environmental funding: Replace short-term uncertainty with multi-year, ring-fenced conservation funding and reform Darwin Plus to give Territory administrations a more direct role in allocating and delivering projects.
“New opportunities for sustainable growth: Support the Territories’ potential in financial and professional services, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, digital assets, space and sustainable tourism, while improving banking access and routes to international markets and the City of London.
“The paper also calls for greater Territory participation in international diplomacy, annual reporting to Parliament on progress, improved access to UK education and public-service training, and stronger collaboration on food, water and energy resilience.
A partnership built around self-government
“The report argues that the Territories should be treated as partners with their own democratic institutions and distinct economic, geographic and constitutional circumstances, rather than as jurisdictions managed through fragmented Whitehall departments.
“It calls for a relationship based on shared responsibility and respect for self-government, with the UK providing the diplomatic reach, security capabilities and support appropriate to its constitutional responsibilities.”
Giles Roca, Chief Executive of CFOT, said: “The Overseas Territories deserve a relationship with the United Kingdom that reflects their strategic importance, respects their democratic self-government and gives them a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their future. The current relationship is piecemeal, and is based on a strategy that has not been updated in 15 years.
“Our report sets out 36 practical recommendations to move that relationship from fragmented engagement to a genuine, long-term partnership that is able to take account of a changing world and the modern challenges we face, with a stronger OT voice in Westminster. The proposal for prime ministerial oversight and dedicated representation for every Territory in the House of Lords are central parts of that ambition.
“From defending sovereignty and strengthening security to protecting extraordinary natural environments and unlocking sustainable economic opportunities, this is about building a new partnership for a new age that works for people across all the Overseas Territories.”
A spokesperson added, “The proposals are intended to inform the development of a future UK–Overseas Territories policy framework and encourage sustained discussion about the constitutional, security, environmental and economic dimensions of the relationship.”
The full CFOT White Paper is here [PDF].