Independence for Bermuda is off the agenda for a major conference of Dependent Territories in London next month, veteran PLP MP Lois Browne Evans insisted yesterday.

Mrs. Browne Evans -- one of five PLP figures joining Opposition leader Jennifer Smith at the conference -- said Independence was the PLP's "ultimate goal''.

But she added: "However, our party believes this can only be achieved with the full concurrence of the Bermuda public after education and discussion.

"Thus, at this time, we wish to retain the status quo.'' On citizenship, one of the three heads of discussion suggested by the UK, the PLP is sitting on the fence.

Shadow Legislative Affairs Minister Mrs. Browne Evans said that the 1995 Independence Referendum did not give "a clear view of the opinion of Bermudians.'' She added that the PLP had called for its supporters to abstain and claimed that the 60 percent who did vote voted for the status quo.

Mrs. Browne Evans said: "Bermudians have not been canvassed on regarding their opinion on British citizenship.'' And Ms Smith added that -- compared to crime and drugs -- a full UK passport with same rights as British subjects was probably not a high priority.

Ms Browne Evans was speaking as Ms Smith revealed details of the PLP's submission to the UK Government as part of a major review of Britain's relations with its remaining Dependent Territories.

But Ms Browne Evans said the party was firmly in favour of full rights to education and employment for Bermudians in Britain -- but with no rights in return for British subjects, the same position as Government.

She added: "Given our current status as a Dependent Territory, we seek avenues to maximise the opportunities and advantages of our close constitutional relationship with the UK so that we can benefit from the training and educational options that should be available to us as a Dependent Territory.

And Mrs. Browne Evans said that a change in name to something less patronising than Dependent Territories would make no Constitutional difference, so it was "of no consequence to us.'' The PLP list rules out any change in the role of the Governor or a lessening of his powers.

It also called for "an increase in democracy through the institution of equal seat constituencies.'' And the PLP wants the UK to step in and rule on interpretation of the Island's Constitution to clear up doubt over PLP MP Ewart Brown's right to sit as an MP.

Dr. Brown is Bermudian-born but took out US citizenship while living in America. But the PLP disputes a reading of the Constitution which forbids those who have sworn allegiance to a foreign power from the legislature.

Those who are foreign-born, but acquire Bermuda status, are, however, eligible to sit as MPs and Senators.

The final point in the submission said: "The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party believes that Bermuda should be party to negotiations on all issues of fundamental importance to Bermuda.'' And Mrs. Browne Evans said: "We hope that the recommendations we have made and the issues we have highlighted will be given serious consideration by the new Labour Party Government so that this review is one which yields some tangible results with real benefits and an improved relationship between the Dependent Territories and the UK Government.'' Earlier, Ms Smith took a swipe at Government's approach to the Dependent Territories review announced by UK Foreign Secretary Robin Cook amid embarrassment over the handling of the Montserrat volcano crisis.

And she said the Premier's response to a Press question that "if the PLP wants to send something to Government, they could'' did not amount to an invitation to cooperate on submissions to Britain.

She added: "We, like the public, have learned of Government's various responses to the conference from the news media.'' Ms Smith said she had not received a copy of Government's wish-list forwarded to the UK.

She added: "I really cannot comment in any great detail on what is different from ours.'' The six PLP delegates to the conference are Ms Smith, Mrs. Browne Evans -- the legal advisor -- MPs Walter Lister and Paula Cox and PLP Secretary General Walter Roban.

Government will be represented by the Premier, who will deliver a speech on Bermuda's perspective on it status as a Dependent Territory, and Labour and Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness.

They will be backed by Cabinet Secretary Leo Mills and Labour and Home Affairs Permanent Secretary John Drinkwater.