To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, what steps he is taking to (a) improve links and (b) increase cooperation with the British Overseas Territories.
Answered on
23 February 2024
Following the UK-OT Joint Declaration agreed at the November 2023 Joint Ministerial Council, the FCDO is leading a refresh of the UK's strategy on the Overseas Territories, for publication in 2024. This work is underway in collaboration with other UK Government Departments and in consultation with the Overseas Territories. Following the publication of the revised strategy, and as set out in the Joint Declaration, the UK will develop partnership compacts with each Overseas Territory. These will outline joint priorities and will allow for transparent and formal agreement on specific actions.
Recent examples of cooperation and collaboration on areas of mutual interest include the visit of Lord Sharpe, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Home Office, to the Cayman Islands and the Foreign Secretary's visit to the Falklands Islands. The Foreign Secretary met with Falkland Islanders to see their work to build a thriving community and protect their natural environment. The Foreign Secretary reiterated the UK's commitment to uphold the Islanders' right of self-determination. We look forward to further engagement with the Territories.