Minister for Exiting the European Union and Foreign Office Minister
today hosted leaders and
representatives from the Overseas Territories, to ensure their
interests regarding the impact of Brexit are taken into account.
Territory leaders welcomed the new forum as a means of
facilitating direct and regular engagement with UK Ministers in
preparation for and during the UK’s negotiations with the
European Union. Leaders discussed areas of high priority and
opportunities for their territories.
Minister for Exiting the European Union said:
When the UK leaves the European Union the strong relationship
we have with the Overseas Territories and the important mutual
trade and business links we share will continue.
The UK Government is committed to engaging with our friends in
the Overseas Territories as we prepare to exit the EU, and
ensuring that we get a deal that works for everyone. In this
context, we discussed how the Territories can contribute to a
truly global Britain.
Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office The Rt.
Hon. said:
The Overseas Territories are integral to the UK Government’s
ambitions to create a more outward looking United Kingdom. We
are committed to taking their priorities into account as we
prepare for negotiations to exit the EU.
I have discussed this very issue during my visits to the
Overseas Territories and am keen to build on this early
positive engagement to ensure the deal the UK Government
ultimately negotiates works for all.
The first Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council on
European negotiations was attended by leaders and representatives
from the following territories:
- Anguilla
- Bermuda
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Falkland Islands
- Montserrat
- Pitcairn Islands
- St Helena and Ascension Island
- Tristan da Cunha
- Turks and Caicos Islands
Last week the Government published its plan for a new, positive
and constructive partnership in the mutual interest of the UK and
the EU, with a White
Paper presented to Parliament.
The paper mirrors the 12 objectives the
UK Government will use to negotiate Brexit as set out by the
Prime Minister last month.
