(CNS): The opposition Conservative Party in the UK has produced a new report that proposes major constitutional shifts between the United Kingdom Overseas Territories and the UK Government, including dedicated representatives in the House of Lords, which would give the territories a direct and permanent voice in Westminster.
Under the proposal, each UKOT, including the Cayman Islands, would have its own appointed representative sitting in the Lords, speaking on legislation and policy that affects the constitutional status, security, international relationships and long‑term interests of the UK’s remaining colonies.
The Tories argue that this would correct a long‑standing imbalance, where UKOTs are affected by UK decisions but have no formal presence in parliament. The paper stresses that, if adopted, this representation would not replace or undermine local democracy. Territory governments and legislatures would remain fully responsible for domestic affairs.
Rather, representation in the Lords is framed as a constitutional safeguard — a way to ensure that the territories are heard at the centre of UK decision‑making, especially on sovereignty, defence, foreign affairs and major constitutional changes. As the report puts it, representation should “strengthen local democratic institutions, not substitute for them”.
In a press release, the Conservative Friends of the Overseas Territories (CFOT) said the new policy paper sets out 36 recommendations for a new era of partnership.
The document, 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.
It makes 39 recommendations across four pillars: governance and constitutional reform; security and resilience; the environment, sustainable development and tourism; and sustainable economic development. But one of its most significant proposals is that each territory should have dedicated representation in the House of Lords.
The authors argue that the current system forces UKOT governments to navigate a fragmented Whitehall, with decisions sometimes made without early consultation.
A Lords representative for each territory would provide a stable, authoritative voice capable of scrutinising legislation, raising concerns, and ensuring that UKOTs are not blindsided by UK policy shifts. This is presented as part of a wider constitutional reset in which the UK moves from an administrative relationship to a genuine partnership.
The Conservatives criticise the current Labour government for its management of the territories. However, the Tories were in office for fourteen years before Labour was returned as the winners just over two years ago. During that time, they did very little to change the relationship with its remaining 16 colonies in any meaningful way.
In this short proposal document, the Conservatives now argue that the territories should be directly involved in the UK’s parliamentary structure — not as colonies and not as dependencies, but as self‑governing jurisdictions with a formal seat at the table.
The proposed policy document, which the Tories say they would implement if re-elected, include developing a long-term strategy jointly with territory governments and supported by individual agreements setting out priorities, responsibilities and measurable outcomes for the new relationship.
It would also include a commitment to early consultation on UK decisions, legislation and international negotiations that could materially affect them.
While many of the recommendations are reworded versions of existing white papers, the document does propose improved environmental support by replacing the short-term uncertainty with multi-year, ring-fenced conservation funding and a reformed Darwin Plus to give territory administrations a more direct role in allocating and delivering projects.
CFOT Chief Executive Giles Roca said the territories deserve a relationship with the UK 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,” he said, without acknowledging that his party was in power for most of that time.
“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,” Roca added.
See the report in the CNS Library.