Territories will meet in Bermuda prior to travelling to talks in London is exciting for Bermuda. We can only regret that the Chief Minister of the Cayman Islands which have so much in common with Bermuda is not able to take part.

This meeting seems to have originated with Premier Pamela Gordon and we see it a master stroke. This is a case where Bermuda can offer its facilities and its experience to other territories and, as the most populous remaining territory, we should be a leader.

When the February meeting in London was first announced we were concerned that it was not being taken very seriously by our own Government and that Bermuda might minimise a great opportunity. Therefore we see the local meeting as a major step for Bermuda as a leader and for Bermuda's positive position in London.

It seems that the meeting will deal with three issues on which Britain has requested the views of the territories: citizenship; constitutional status; and a possible change of name to something more agreeable than Dependent Territories.

The conference will afford the extra opportunity for the leaders to discuss area problems which concern us all. For a long time now, area Governors have met at conferences and it seems very healthy for the area's Government leaders to meet. We could see some real benefits from discussions of such things as money laundering and drugs. These are areas in which Bermuda can lead and supply very helpful information and even expertise to other territories.

The Opposition Progressive Labour Party will doubtless be somewhat miffed at not being included in the Bermuda talks but other opposition parties are also excluded. The Government is just that, the elected Government and it shoulders the responsibilities. We hope the exclusion will not prevent the Government and the PLP from presenting a "Bermuda Front'' in London and not some divergent acrimony.

We are however disappointed by the fact that Bermuda will be represented in London only by the Premier and the Home Affairs Minister, both of whom were seen as supporters of Sir John Swan's misguided move to Independence, although Ms Gordon remained firmly on the sidelines during the Referendum campaign and refused to indicate how she would vote. As this newspaper predicted, the going of Hong Kong totally changed the situation and placed Bermuda in a much better position. Independence at the time it was suggested would have been a disastrous mistake.

We believe the people voted against Independence and it is wrong to have a delegation to London which supports Independence. The PLP will also be there supporting Independence. For the sake of fairness, if nothing else, the Premier should take with her a major public figure who is anti-Independence.