forge better links with its colonies, it was revealed yesterday.

The UK Labour Government has already unveiled plans for a massive reform of the largely hereditary Upper House.

And PM Tony Blair's administration could use the transformation to create a direct line to Britain's political heart for its Dependent Territories.

It is understood the UK are studying the French model for their colonies -- where Caribbean islands like Martinique are metropolitan areas of France with direct representation in the French legislature.

A UK Parliament foreign affairs expert told The Royal Gazette that under consideration in Foreign Secretary Robin Cook's massive review of Britain's relations with the Dependent Territories was closer links to the central power.

And he said: "One issue is whether there should be individuals in the House of Lords representing the Dependent Territories.'' He added that he understood US protectorates like the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico had representatives in the US Senate, although they could only vote on matters directly affecting the territories they represent.

Premier Pamela Gordon -- last night en route to a major economic summit in Switzerland -- said she would welcome a stronger voice for the Dependent Territories at Westminster.

She said: "If it means a seat so we can have a voice it's a wonderful thing -- as long as there are no hidden requirements and hidden agendas.'' But she added: "I don't see how they can administer it....I would be interested to see how they could do it.'' The insider denied that Mr. Cook and Home Secretary Jack Straw -- the Minister in charge of passports and immigration had clashed over proposals to extend full UK rights to British Dependent Territories Citizens' passport holders, as reported in some UK Sunday newspapers. Sympathy for the Dependent Territories position -- especially in the case of volcano-stricken Montserrat -- and a move towards granting full passport rights appears to be growing at Westminster.

But the insider said that there were worries over the reaction to any extension by millions of Hong Kong holders of the same passport who were not allowed to leave the colony after the UK handed it over to Communist China last summer.

And he added that there fears in the UK over what might happen if full rights were granted and a Dependent Territory later opted for independence.

The insider said it "may be a bit too close'' to the handover of Hong Kong to allow full British citizenship to the 170,000 people of the dozen or so Dependent Territories.

And he added that Bermuda's wishlist, in common with other Dependent Territories, appeared to concentrate on practicalities like access to education on the same terms as UK and European residents and the right to work and gain on-the-job experience in Britain.

He said: "It's fair to say that citizenship is probably the biggest issue for determination and clearly has so many repercussions it's taken time to resolve.

"The temptation would be to meet to meet practical problems with practical, sensible solutions and not to go all the way to citizenship.'' Mr. Cook announced a major review last autumn and pledged results by February.

But the UK Parliamentarian backed earlier views that Mr. Cook will not make a final statement on the UK's position at next week's keynote speech to the Dependent Territories Association. The insider said: "The review bristles with complications -- it's difficult because the timescale was so short.

"I think Mr. Cook will only have an interim statement on February 4. I suspect major questions of citizenship may be deferred.'' GOVERNMENT GVT IMMIGRATION IMM