Massive change in Britain's Foreign Office won't affect Bermudians' chances of getting UK citizenship predicts Telecommunications Minister Renee Webb.

On Friday British Prime Minister Tony Blair axed Foreign Secretary Robin Cook and replaced him with Jack Straw who was said to be less than enthusiastic about handing out citizenship in his previous post as Home Secretary.

The British press reported the pair had clashed when the UK Government were drawing up the White Paper on Overseas Territories.

Ms. Webb said last night: "It sounds like continuity. I know it's said Jack Straw is not as sure to give citizenship, the main thing is there has been no change in Government, so we assume the commitment is the same."

Asked about the delay in implementing the promise she said: "The British Government were caught up in the election.

"Now the election is behind them I am sure they will move forward." However, she added, Britain was hardly likely to be flooded with citizens from the former colonies. "I don't think the number of people in the territories are significant enough to make a difference.

"I think most Bermudians appear to be indifferent. Clearly, British citizenship will be a plus.

"I already have the right because I have a British grandmother and a lot of people already have the right to it. There are advantages as long as there is no quid-pro-quo."

She said the current understanding was that Bermudians who wanted it would be granted British citizenship but there would be no reciprocal rights allowing British people rights to Bermudian status.

She added even if Bermuda went independent the British citizenship offer would still hold.

"It's a great position to be in, it's having your cake and eating it too." Ms. Webb said it meant Bermudians could take advantage of the chance to live and work in Europe.

Changes at the Foreign Office following Labour's massive election win last week also saw Baroness Scotland, who had the Overseas Territories brief, move to a new post.

Her successor is Baroness Amos.

Ms. Webb said Baroness Scotland had been a good friend to Bermuda and that the relationship between the two islands had been cordial.

Miss Webb said: "She is sure to be missed."

Shadow Legislative Affairs Spokesman John Barritt said Baroness Scotland had been well respected in Britain.

He chided Britain for dragging its feet on granting citizenship which he said could help give Bermudians access to vital European markets.

He said that outgoing Foreign Secretary Robin Cook's credibility had been "practically at zero".

"They made a big deal about trumpeting the White Paper which came in March 1999 as one of the great things they were going to put right for those who wanted citizenship but they have been retreating ever since.

"They blamed it on the legislative agenda, they blamed it on the Opposition Tories and they blamed it on the election." He said Bermuda might find a new minister brought a new approach.

He said he hoped Britain would come clean if a new course was adopted.