A few weeks back I gave an update on Brexit. At that time I noted that while we were living in uncertain, and for some unsettling times, we could be confident – irrespective of the outcome of Brexit – about four things which matter greatly to Anguilla. Today, while the final outcome of Brexit remains uncertain nothing has changed in terms of these four issues and we can be confident that nothing will change. I’d like to restate these “four confidences”.
First – and most important, the UK Government will continue to ensure that the interests of Anguilla, and all other Overseas Territories, are fully represented and reflected in negotiations with the European Union. Those talks have consistently reaffirmed the UK Government’s commitment to include the Territories’ priorities in Brexit negotiations. This commitment will not change.
Second – the right to hold a British passport will not change. Deal or no deal, Anguillians’ rights to a British Overseas Territories Passport and to hold a British Passport will in no way be affected by Brexit. This means that Anguillains’ rights to enter the UK and to work there free from any visa restrictions will remain unchanged. It also means Anguillians will be able to visit the US without a visa using the existing ESTA arrangements.
Third – the UK government will make good any loss of EU funding under the current round of the European Development Fund (EDF 11) should the EU decline, for whatever reason to meet this commitment. And this commitment will not come at the cost of any reduction to the UK’s current grant commitment to Anguilla – the £60 million.
Finally – the current arrangements for travel across to St Martin / Sint Maarten will not change. As I have said before both myself and the UK government see no reason why these arrangements – arrangements which sit outside of the UK’s membership of the European Union – should change because of Brexit and we have confirmed this position with the relevant authorities across the Anguilla Channel and in European capitals.
