Bermuda will have to meet British standards on human rights as part of a new deal for the colonies, The UK Minister for Overseas Territories Baroness Symons warned yesterday.

And she said that all the remaining Territories would have to adopt internationally acceptable standards to beat financial fraud, drugs and money-laundering.

She said: "We expect Overseas Territories to meet our standards on human rights.

"It is right to do so and, of course, we have international obligations to do so.'' Baroness Symons said some Overseas Territories -- not including Bermuda -- still treated gay sex as a criminal offence. (See Page 3).

And some of the Territories still retained both hanging and flogging -- with only Bermuda still having both on its law books.

Baroness Symons said: "On the eve of the 21st century we recognise that such laws are not only outmoded, they are widely regarded as inconsistent with the human rights citizens in all countries should expect to have.

"So it is important that the Governments of the Territories should act to change them.'' Baroness Symons said that, during the consultation in the run-up to the publication of last month's White Paper on the rewrite of relations between the UK and its Overseas Territories, the message was that the colonies wanted to retain the links with Britain.

She added: "We are pleased and proud of that. For our part, we want to modernise our relationship with the Territories, to base it on a partnership of understanding, of rights and responsibilities.'' Baroness Symons said: "Of course, any partnership involves obligations on both sides.'' Must meet standards on human rights And she warned: "As long as the Territories want to be British, they must accept high standards of Government, of law and order and probity in public life.'' Baroness Symons said that was why the White Paper put a strong emphasis on improving "regulation and operating standards'' in the financial sector -- especially in the war against drugs and white-collar crime.

She added: "We want to see the industries prosper. But they must operate in line with acceptable international standards.'' And she insisted: "They must not be the weak link in the fight against crime and the drugs trade. So they must be above reproach and their managers must work with the rest of the international community to combat international financial crime.'' Baroness Symons added that she would be chairman of the first meeting of the new Council for the Territories, to be held in London later this year.

She said: "I very much look forward to discussing a wide range of issues that concern us all, tackling drugs crime, protecting the environment, constitutional development -- all issues addressed in the White Paper.'' The White Paper offered full UK citizenship and the right to live and work in Britain and Europe without restriction.

Baroness Symons said: "There are no strings attached. Local immigration rules will remain in place.

"No British taxes or any other rules will have to be applied in the Territories. Territories will retain the right to self-determination.'' She added: "The White Paper is a major milestone in the development of relations between Britain and the Overseas Territories.

"Each is different. Each has different needs. Each requires different treatment. But there are common concerns, there are issues of general relevance. And there is the unifying bond with Britain.''