The British Foreign Office has reaffirmed its commitment to defending the Overseas Territories, describing them as “part of the homeland” in a new policy paper developed with the help of the Bermuda Government.

The Charter for UK Government Engagement with the Overseas Territories was published on September 24 to “provide a clear and ambitious statement of the principles of how the UK Government will engage with the governments of the territories”.

It falls short of the new White Paper that the territories, including Bermuda, had called for, with the backing earlier this year of the House of Lords Constitution Committee.

Much of the content is familiar from the five principles already set out by the British Government at the 2024 Joint Ministerial Council, which were related to devolution and democratic autonomy, listening, partnership, rights and responsibilities, and the advancement of good governance.

However, the charter does include a sixth principle: a new commitment to consider the people of the territories in “relevant UK government policymaking and delivery”.

It says the British Government affirms that “all UK Government departments should consider territory interests when developing new policies, including legislation, that may affect them and when considering signing up to international treaties”.

The charter adds that all UK Government departments “should consider their responsibilities to the territories in departmental business planning, and management of risks and liabilities as well as opportunities”.

The June 2012 White Paper, the most recent Whitehall policy document on the OTs, described the defence of the territories and their people as one of Britain’s most important defence responsibilities.

The new charter states: “The Overseas Territories are part of the ‘homeland’ and should be treated as such, not least when it comes to defence and security responsibilities.”

A Cabinet Office spokeswoman said this week that the Government of Bermuda, as chair of the UK Overseas Territories Association, worked with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on the charter.

“We recognise that this is an internal UK document; however, the UK government was keen to ensure the principle of partnership was upheld to reflect the collective position of the territories,” she said.

“The Overseas Territories note that the 2012 White Paper has served its purpose and should be replaced, in line with the recommendation by the House of Lords Constitution Committee.

“The relationship with the UK Government is strong and the charter reinforces this.”