UK TO OTs: SHARED COMMITMENT BUT NO MAJOR CHANGE NEEDED

The outgoing British government has given the Overseas Territories an assurance that the UK “remains committed to continuing and strengthening engagement with the OTs”. However, the government has made it clear that a new ‘white paper’ (consultation paper) on its future relationship with its territories is not on the agenda. If left to be seen whether that position will remain unchanged under the incoming UK Labour Party government, expected to take office before the end of the summer.

The current debate about the future status of the OTs as part of the UK has been overshadowed by the ongoing dramatic developments within the ruling Labour Party. Just last week, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation under pressure due to internal wrangling within the government and party over leadership and policy matters.

In its detailed response to a 22-point list of recommendations from the House of Lords Constitutional Committee (HoLCC) - which was being prepared well before the ruling Labour Party’s internal woes reset the national political agenda - the government’s position was clear.

CHANGE OF DIRECTION RECOMMENDED

The British government said it saw no need to develop a new ‘white paper’ to set out its policies and relationship with the Overseas Territories. Instead, it said it would develop a new Charter. As reported by the Caymanian Times in May, the HoLCC had given the UK Minister for the Overseas Territories until June 17th to respond to its request for clear reforms in the UK’s approach to the Overseas Territories (OTs). This stemmed from the most recent inquiry into the territories and their relationship with the British government, which was carried out between December last year and March this year.

According to the HoLCC, “The historical attitude of the UK Government was to regard the Overseas Territories as a post-colonial problem to be managed. This mindset is out of date and must be left in the past, allowing the modern relationship to become one truly characterised by—in the words of the Minister for the Overseas Territories—“openness and mutual respect”. The HoLCC had caalled for a new UK Government ‘White Paper’ for the Overseas Territories, saying it is essential to replace the outdated 2012 White Paper and unify fragmented policies into a clear, single framework.

CHANGE OF APPROACH OFFERED

In its response, the British government states: “The Government remains committed to continuing and strengthening engagement with the OTs, working in partnership to address shared challenges and opportunities, and to supporting a modern constitutional relationship that continues to evolve in line with shared principles of openness, mutual respect and cooperation.”

The HoLCC noted in its report that the UK Government has stated that it will not publish a strategy as envisaged in the Joint Declaration, following last December’s Joint Ministerial Council(JMC) summit in London. But the UK government had said it would instead produce a Charter of Engagement. The HoLCC questioned this and asked the government for clarification.

The Starmer government’s position was reiterated by the current Minister for the Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty. “We will defend the OTs resolutely,” he reassured on the defence concerns raised.”

Minister Doughty also stated: “The OTs are not viewed as a post-colonial problem to be managed. Such perceptions do not reflect modern practice. The UK’s approach is grounded in partnership and respect, and a commitment from both the UK Government and the OTs to openness, transparency, early engagement, and clear communication on matters of shared interest.”

He added: “The Government agrees that the relationship between the UK and the OTs has evolved significantly and continues to modernise. This reflects a shared commitment to partnership, cooperation, and mutual respect, as reaffirmed through regular ministerial engagement, including at the 2025 Joint Ministerial Council (JMC), where Ministers underlined that the relationship is based on trust, openness, and joint working to address shared challenges.”

Mr Doughty, who was appointed Overseas Territotries Miniuster in July 2024 when the Starter government took power, also pointed out: “The Government also recognises that balancing the UK’s constitutional responsibilities—particularly for good governance, foreign affairs and international obligations—while respecting the level of autonomy exercised by OTs requires careful handling, sustained dialogue and early engagement.”

With the UK’s Labour Party government now in transition, it’s unclear whether the position taken by the Starmer government will be retained or changed by the next government, or whether Mr Doughty will remain as the OTs Minister.