BELLINGHAM SPEAKS IN BERMUDA ABOUT OVERSEAS TERRITORIES

Mr. Henry Bellingham MP

He said among other things that so far new Constitutions had been negotiated with eight Overseas Territories and that it was hoped to reach agreement later on the updating of the Anguilla Constitution.

Following are some excerpts of his address to the Bermuda Parliament: “My reasons for coming to your beautiful country are two-fold. Firstly, I want to learn more about how Bermuda has built its successful economy and democracy and the challenges you face in these very testing economy times. My second reason for coming here is to explain the UK Government’sstrategy towards our Overseas Territories and to launch a dialogue on how we can best take this forward and capture our shared vision and values which are going to be in the forthcoming UK White Paper to replace the previous 1999 document “Partnership and Prosperity”. In this context I want to focus on the opportunities for Bermuda’s example to inspire and for Bermuda to support the other Territories and make sure they reach their full potential.

“In July the UK’s National Security Council discussed the Overseas Territories and endorsed the broad approach that I outlined to Territory leaders, including the Premier, in March. We confirmed that the UK’s fundamental responsibility and objective is to ensure the security and good governance of the 14 Territories. We recognised that the Overseas Territories are remarkably diverse; and that policies to meet these objectives need to be tailored to the specific circumstances of each Territory. So there’s no question of one size fits all.
“We have reviewed the constitutional status of the Overseas Territories. Each Territory has its own unique constitution. The previous UK government launched in 1999 a process of constitutional review and modernisation. New constitutions have been negotiated with eight Overseas Territories. We hope to bring this work to completionby agreeing an updated constitution for Anguilla. I note that Bermuda’s constitution was last revised in 2003. We expect these constitutions to continue to evolve and to require some adjustment in the light of changing circumstances, and as I’ve explained I have always taken the view that constitutions are always a work in progress.
“But we believe that the fundamental structure of our constitutional relationships is the right one: powers are devolved to the elected governments of the settled Territories to the maximum extent possible consistent with the UK retaining powers necessary to discharge our sovereign responsibilities.

“We believe that at this point in the history of our relationships with these Territories, when a decade of constitutional revision is coming to a close, the time is not right to embark on further constitutional change. Rather our strategy is to make sure that the constitutional arrangements work properly to promote the best interests of the Territories and of the UK, both now and in the future.

“Let me be quite clear on the question of independence. Successive British governments have said that it is for the Territories themselves to decide whether they wish to remain connected to the United Kingdom but that any decision to cut that link should be on the basis of the clearly expressed wish of the majority of the people of the Territory in question. This government also supports that approach. I believe our links can bring mutual benefit and I hope that our forthcoming White Paper will highlight the value of our mature partnership between Britain and the people of the Territories. One difference between this Government and the last Government is that we believe in putting our money where our mouth is. For example we have invested in the St. Helena airport and in the refurbishment of the airport in Providenciales.

“Our strategy therefore focuses on three practical policy goals:
1. to strengthen the engagement and interaction between the UK and the Territories.
ii. to work with the Territories to strength good governance arrangements, public financial management and economic planning where this is necessary; and
iii. to improve the quality and range of support available to the Territories.

“The strategy is an overall framework. We now need to work together to identify what we can do to improve the functioning of the relationship between the UK and each territory in the three broad areas identified.

“To take this work forward I am inviting territory governments and communities to make an assessment of the challenges you face and your performance and capabilities, particularly in the areas of good governance, public financial management and economic planning. I am keen to hear your views on what the UK Government can best do to engage with and support the Territories on these issues. We believe it is important for the UK and Territories to work together to build partnerships with outside organisations and groups, such as the Commonwealth and the European Union. We would welcome your views on this too.

“I want this consultation process to include as many people in the Territories as possible. I am encouraging Territory leaders to discuss with their Governors how best to do this, including through an online portal. And I encourage the private sector and the wider community to engage with their Government and their Governor, especially the younger generation. It is fitting to announce it here at the college as they are the future, they are tomorrow’s leaders.

“The UN National Security Council, chaired by the Prime Minister, agreed that the whole of the UK Government, not just the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department for International Development and the Ministry of Defence and other departments, should recognise its responsibilities to engage with the Territories. So it’s across the whole of HMG, across the whole Government.

“UK Government Departments are now looking, with current budgetary constraints, at ways to ensure strong and effective interaction with the Territories.

“All Departments will set out in the next few months how they can engage with the Territories. As you know, all UK Government departments are facing significant austerity measures as the Government tackles the UK budget deficit. So we are encouraging Departments and Territories to look for opportunities for partnerships where the UK can contribute specific technical expertise or help develop the capacity of Territory governments. I aim to review progress on this work with Territory leaders at the Consultative Council meeting in late November.

“The UK Government proposes to publish a White Paper in 2012 setting out for the wider public our approach to the Overseas Territories. I hope this will set out our shared values and vision for the future.
“I also want to use the White Paper to showcase the achievements of the Overseas Territories and reflect the vital contribution of Territory governments. I want to hear about the areas you think we should highlight. As I visit each Territory I learn more and more about what’s going well and how Territory Governments are overcoming particular challenges, bringing about positive changes and setting high standards. But, at the same time, I do not want to shy away from acknowledging the challenges Territories face and setting out how the UK Government and Territory Governments can work together to tackle these.
“The White Paper should help people in the UK and in the Territories understand how we are working to strengthen our partnership.

“There are already many examples of successful partnerships between the UK and Territories involving central and local government, the private sector, Non-Government Organisations and professional bodies. I want to see many, many more.
“The Overseas Territories Consultative Council in late November will be an important opportunity to discuss all these issues and to hear from Territory leaders about their achievements and challenges.

“This is ambitious agenda but we have made good progress and I want us to continue to work together towards realising our shared ambitions.

“So where does Bermuda fit into this overall vision and how can it help? As I have already said, I believe that the other Territories, especially those in the Caribbean, can learn from Bermuda’s successes and, indeed, other experiences. I believe that Bermuda is well placed to lead the discussion with other Territories…I believe that Bermuda, as a sophisticated and high quality business and tourist destination and with a highly devolved and developed government system, can play a central role in defining the partnerships and the future relationship between the UK and the Territories.”