Premier Alex Scott has welcomed Britain?s decision to not force Bermuda into new methods for handling constitutional change.

The UK requested submissions after noting the ructions caused by the move to single seats last year which led to protests from those who thought it wrong to make major constitutional changes by a simple majority in the House of Assembly.

However this week Governor Sir John Vereker said Britain would not pursue the matter because there was no agreement between local parties.

The Opposition had suggested simple constitutional changes should be made by a 75 percent majority in the House of Assembly while major changes should be drawn up by a committee, passed by a two thirds majority in the House and then endorsed by the public via referendum.

However, the ruling Progressive Labour Party are happy to let the Government decide.

Asked for his reaction on London?s position Mr. Scott said: ?I think this is a tip of the British hat in the direction of the Bermuda Government.

?It recognises our advanced constitutional position that Bermuda enjoys internal self Government.

?It recognises that at this point in time the British Government are not going to push the envelope and for that we are appreciative.

?We don?t want them to do something we take umbrage with.?

Mr. Scott said there were no plans to tinker further with the constitution ahead of an independent Bermuda which his party is now pushing for.

The United Bermuda Party had attacked the PLP for being selfish in believing the Government and not the people could make major changes to the constitution.

But Mr. Scott said: ?We have a good record of governance and all this was taken into account in this situation, the rest is for the UBP to cry into their beer over.?

People marched on Government House to press the case for more consultation and eventually public meetings were held before the voting system was changed last year.

Asked if the move to single seats could have been handled better Mr. Scott said: ?I didn?t have any difficulty with what was done,? although he said there could have been some refinements.

He said the move to single seats had been done with the support of most people, as had the method of change.