While in the London this week, Premier Dr. Orlando Smith called for the Virgin Islands and other overseas territories to have a voice in the United Kingdom’s Brexit discussions with the European Union.
“As the United Kingdom looks towards new horizons and realigns its relationships globally, it should see the positive role that overseas territories can play,” said Dr. Smith, who attended the Joint Ministerial Council meeting between the OTs and the UK this week. “We are also absolutely clear that we want to have our voice heard when it comes to ensuring there are no unintended consequences for the overseas territories as the UK negotiates its exit from the European Union.”
The members of the council agreed to press for a Brexit-focused ministerial meeting between the OTs and UK in early 2017, the Premier’s Office announced yesterday.
During the JMC talks, Dr. Smith demanded a seat at the negotiating table for the OTs.
“We require high-level engagement — just like the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — and we want a deal which works for the whole UK family,” explained Dr. Smith, who as president of the UK Overseas Territories Political Council chaired a meeting prior to the start of JMC discussions.
See the Nov. 3, 2016 edition for full coverage.
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