Former FCDO permanent secretaries to give evidence on overseas territories

Tomorrow the House of Lords Constitution Committee will continue its inquiry reviewing the UK – Overseas Territories Joint Declaration by questioning former permanent under-secretaries at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.  

Giving evidence will be: 

• The Lord McDonald of Salford, Former Permanent Under-Secretary at Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office 

• Sir Philip Barton, Former Permanent Under-Secretary at Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office 

Themes the session is likely to cover include: 

• The strength of the UK Government's relationship with the Overseas Territories, and the challenges involved 

• The effectiveness of official-level engagement between the UK Government and Overseas Territories and the role of the FCDO 

• Whether a new strategy is needed setting out UK Government policy towards the Overseas Territories.  

The session will take place on Wednesday 4 February 2026 at 10:30am and can be followed live on Parliament TV.