The United Nations General Assembly has expressed its regret over Bermuda's lack of public meetings and Parliamentary debates on independence.The Assembly has adopted a resolution calling for discussion on the issue, noting the Island's political parties and residents are divided on whether they want to break ties with the UK.It calls for a revisiting of a 2005 report which highlighted the need for debate on a number of uncertainties surrounding independence.The resolution states the General Assembly: “Stresses the importance of the 2005 report of the Bermuda Independence Commission, which provides a thorough examination of the facts surrounding independence, and continues to regret that the plans for public meetings and the presentation of a green paper to the House of Assembly followed by a white paper outlining the policy proposals for an independent Bermuda have so far not materialised.”The Assembly is also calling for the UN to help Bermuda educate the public about issues connected to independence.Polls show opposition to independence has steadily increased in recent years. According to the latest Royal Gazette poll last October, 73 percent of people are against it with just 14 percent in favour.The Progressive Labour Party has traditionally viewed Independence as a key goal, with former Premier Alex Scott putting it on the front burner with a series of public debates.Under Mr Scott's watch in 2005, the Bermuda Independence Commission found many people felt they could not vote for independence without knowing the full details of the kind of Government and constitution they would later be seeing.It also pointed to concern that some Bermuda citizens could lose their British nationality, and suggested:l Government should consult with international business over uncertainties related to independence;l Government should celebrate diversity, encourage equal opportunity and social unity to improve race relations ahead of independence.Premier Paula Cox has said she supports independence but describes it as an issue for “further down the line” while the Island tackles the economic crisis and soaring gun crime.United Bermuda Party Premier Sir John Swan famously failed in a bid for independence in 1995, while more recently the UBP has said there are more pressing issues facing the Country.Bermuda Democratic Alliance leader Craig Cannonier has described it as a matter for the people to decide.Yesterday, Acting UBP leader Trevor Moniz said: “We appreciate the UN's concerns about Bermuda and independence, but it should be clear as day to anyone reviewing the situation that [the reason] there has been no movement on the issue here is because there has been, and continues to be, no appetite for it.“Independence is a dead issue for now, and has been for some time. Polls show it and the Government has said as much.“The Bermudian people will address this issue in their own way and at a time of their choosing if and when they deem it necessary.”Governor Sir Richard Gozney said: “I note that the UNGA resolution is similar to, and entirely consistent with, resolutions passed annually in recent years.“As for many years Bermudians will doubtless discuss their constitutional status, or not, as they wish.”