Britain will be discussing with Bermuda ways of strengthening the fight against terrorism, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) under-secretary of state Baroness Amos said yesterday.

In a speech to Senators and MPs in the House of Assembly, Baroness Amos, who has responsibility for Bermuda and the overseas territories at the FCO, said she would be discussing the matter further with Premier Jennifer Smith.

She made the announcement on her first visit to the Island since her FCO appointment as she and Governor Sir John Vereker addressed a rare joint sitting of the legislature.

Referring to the part Bermuda played accepting diverted planes after the September 11 terrorist attacks last year, she said: "I want to thank Bermuda for its continuing support in the fight against terrorism.

"But more remains to be done. I will be discussing this with the Premier. We need to ensure that comprehensive legislation is in place to deal with terrorist operations."

Bermuda was the most advanced of Britain's overseas territories in terms of self-government and "there is great admiration in London" for way the Island is governed despite its remoteness.

She said parliamentarians in London had taken a great deal of interest in the current work of the Boundaries Commission, which is redrawing electoral constituencies to create single seats and recommending a reduced number of MPs.

"I know there has been a great deal of interest here in the work of the Commission with the number of consultation meetings and the active participation of Bermudian citizens," she said.

"Once the Boundaries Commission report has been received by the Governor, it will be sent to you for debate. We look forward to hearing the outcome of your debate and the Governor's views before deciding how to proceed."

Britain was committed to working in partnership with the overseas territories, while sharing common values such as human rights and good governance, she said. Britain still retained responsibility for foreign policy issues, which were so important in a world dealing with global issues such as terrorism.

"In an increasingly complex world and globalised world, with the emergence of global standards and global threats, these responsibilities include the fight against terrorism, and working with you to ensure good governance, financial stability, preservation of the environment, human rights, and much more.

"I am glad, therefore, that such relations exist between us, enabling these issues to be carried forward through constructive discussion and dialogue."

She emphasised there was a need to work together to tackle issues such as poverty, racism, inequality and injustice. "Many of the countries which form part of my responsibilities would benefit from the stability and commitment that you are so fortunate to have in Bermuda," she said.

She said that while Bermuda could be described as "a piece of paradise", it should not forget its responsibilities to the wider world.

The Premier said she was encouraged by the Baroness' "positive approach, listening to, and respecting, the views of all. It is vital to nurture an understanding of this tiny, but complex, society as the United kingdom seeks to build on the 'Partnership for Progress and Prosperity'".

She added that "dynamic relationships can only flourish where frank and open debate takes place".

Opposition leader Dr. Grant Gibbons called on the Baroness, a human rights advocate who was chief executive of Britain's Equal Opportunities Commission, to be vigilant to ensure the work of Boundaries Commission is done in a fair manner.

"We are very pleased that Britain continues to be very committed to Bermuda and other overseas territories and we trust that you will keep a close watch to ensure that these processes are fair and equitable," he said. "We understand that you have a distinguished record on human rights and we hope we will have the benefit of your wisdom and experience in this."

Introducing the Baroness, the Governor said it was a "sobering thought" that Bermuda's parliament had been sitting since before the time of the English and American civil wara, and it should be seen as an "example to the world" of how to solve problems peacefully. Sir John said the infrequent visits to Bermuda from the British government reflected the "confidence that has built up in the quality of the governance" that has developed since internal government was introduced in 1968.