(CMR) The UK Government and elected leaders of the British Overseas Territories have agreed to a new Joint Declaration, under which the UK will support democratically elected British Overseas Territory Governments to accept additional responsibilities and greater autonomy, alongside accountability, where they wish to.
This new agreement is based on shared democratic values and respect for human rights. As part of the Declaration, the UK and OTs also committed to improving transparency and deepening bilateral partnerships, and consulting OTs on UK primary legislation that impacts them.
UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, David Rutley, said, “The Overseas Territories are an important part of the British Family, and our shared values such as support for democracy and the rule of law underpin this close relationship.
“Our new Joint Declaration sets out more clearly than ever how the UK and Overseas Territories will work closer together on the opportunities and challenges of the modern world,” Rutley added.
The Joint Declaration was agreed during the UK and British Overseas Territories Annual Joint Ministerial Council meeting in London on 14 – 15 November and has now been formally approved within the OTs.
Other commitments in the agreement include investigating improvements to how the UK provides financial support to OTs and agreeing to speak with one voice on the international stage, such as at the United Nations. It also creates more opportunities for the OTs to take on responsibilities where they want to, such as around transparency measures, and through the development of ‘Compacts.’
These ‘Compacts’ will set out roles and responsibilities on specific issues bespoke to each community. The UK will seek to agree these detailed bilateral agreements with each of the OTs.
Premier Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly stated, “Our Government, having consulted with the Opposition, has approved this Declaration as we are satisfied that it does not compromise or fetter any of the rights, responsibilities and powers that are established under our Constitution, which is one of the most advanced amongst Overseas Territories.”
“We look forward to future negotiations on the content of our bilateral Compact and I have written to Minister Rutley to request that these discussions take place here in the Cayman Islands in order to ensure the widest possible engagement,” she added.
Also commenting on the agreed Joint Declaration, Her Excellency Governor Jane Owen stated, “The Declaration reinforces our commitment to a modern and transparent partnership and our collective ambition to deliver a prosperous and secure future for all our people. I am proud that Cayman has chosen to be part of the British global family and I applaud the inclusive approach the Cayman Islands Government has taken with their commitment to including public engagement in this exercise.”
The UK will also support closer links between the British Overseas Territories and the Commonwealth and will work together with OTs to examine options for the greater participation of the Territory Governments and peoples in its organizations.
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