The UK Foreign Office Minister for the Overseas Territories yesterday underlined her country's commitment to Bermuda and the other colonies.

And Baroness Elizabeth Scotland -- in her first public statement after a ground-breaking summit meeting -- said the Overseas Territories Consultative Council was a symbol of a wind of change in relations between the UK and the remaining bits of Empire.

She said: "The Council demonstrates the Government's commitment to improving the dialogue between Her Majesty's Government and Overseas Territories' Governments.

"This first meeting has been proof of the value of this initiative.'' Baroness Scotland was speaking at the end of the inaugural meeting of the Overseas Territories Consultative Council, which ended on Wednesday, opened by her and International Development Minister George Foulkes.

A Foreign Office spokesman -- in a joint statement from delegates, who included Premier Jennifer Smith and Attorney General Dame Lois Browne Evans -- said: "All parties agreed that they understood each other's aspirations and responsibilities better and the importance of Her Majesty's Government's commitments for the Overseas Territories arising from its international obligations.'' The spokesman added: "There was a useful review of progress in implementing Her Majesty's Government's offer of citizenship -- although Parliamentary time is yet to be made available for the necessary legislation.'' Among the topics discussed at the conference were a series of probes into offshore finance centres -- and fears that international bodies have targeted them unfairly.

The European Union, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the G7/8 group of wealthy nations have also put offshore jurisdictions -- also dubbed tax havens -- under the microscope.

Both Dame Lois and Turks and Caicos Chief Minister Derek Taylor said Britain had worked hard to ease worries that the UK -- growing closer to its EU partners -- might sacrifice the Overseas Territories to placate more powerful friends.

The probes -- and the need for tough finance laws to hammer money-laundering and other white collar crime -- was a major feature in the UK's bid to rewrite relations with the Overseas Territories in a White Paper published in March.

The view that Britain would not desert its smaller, more vulnerable possessions was backed by veteran UK Labour politician and former Minister Lord Ashley.

Lord Ashley told The Royal Gazette : "That's an unjustified fear -- the fact that we have this European voice can be helpful.'' And he insisted: "What it really means is a stronger Britain with its trading partners in Europe. Rather than hindering relations with its Overseas Territories, it will assist.'' The Foreign Office spokesman's statement declined to give specifics of anything brought up at the closed-door meetings.

But he said: "The Council considered issues raised in the White Paper and other points of concern to the Territories.'' And he added the Territories' positions would be raised at a major meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government, due to be held soon.

The spokesman said: "The meeting was timed so that the views of OT governments on the forthcoming meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government could be aired.'' He added: "Discussion also covered sustainable development in the Overseas Territories and environmental and financial concerns.

"Mr. Foulkes welcomed the continuing economic growth in the Territories and said Her Majesty's Government continued to be ready to play its full part in helping promote development of the Territories.

"Her Majesty's Government welcomed the exchange of ideas and experience among the Governments and the OTs.'' And he added that the Consultative Council was expected to meet once a year to allow heads of governments direct access to Westminster with concerns and grievances.

POLITICS PTL