Premier Alex Scott is hard at work in Bournemouth promoting Bermuda's interests at the annual conference of the British Labour Party, according to a Government Press statement yesterday.

Mr. Scott, who announced last week that he was concerned at indications that Britain may be moving towards tightening the colonial grip, has been promised a meeting with Overseas Territories Minister Bill Rammell and also hopes to meet Prime Minister Tony Blair.

This weekend he and his wife Olga inspected the Bermuda stand at the conference which promotes tourism and e-business.

"Late r in the day the Premier attended a reception hosted by the New Statesman magazine where he met a number of leading figures including Chancellor Gordon Brown, Culture Secretary Estelle Morris, Lord Dubbs, a former Minister and several leading newspaper editors," the statement said.

"The highlight of this morning's session was an inspirational speech by Chancellor Gordon Brown.

In the afternoon he attended the Economic Debate prior to paying an official visit on the Mayor of Bournemouth.

"Last night the Premier was scheduled to host the Bermuda reception for a number of business and political leaders and today he will attend a reception hosted by Mr. Blair.

"The Labour Party conference affords Bermuda the opportunity to renew existing links and friendships and to establish new contacts to ensure Bermuda's interests are promoted and safeguarded in the UK," the Premier said in the statement.

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