Overseas Territories Minister Henry Bellingham wants to see Bermuda as “a vibrant and flourishing community” that proudly retains its British identity.The MP discussed how he wanted to strengthen links and build a stronger partnership as he chaired the two-day Overseas Territories Consultative Council (OTCC). Premier Paula Cox was among the elected representatives from Britain’s 14 Overseas Territories at the annual event in London.Mr Bellingham made it clear that Overseas Territories were a priority for the UK Government and he vowed to “work tirelessly to ensure that our partnership promotes the best interest of all our citizens and a bright and successful future”.The Minister, who visited Bermuda in September to get an overview of the Island’s economy and political system, said discussions at the OTCC had been “wide-ranging and constructive”.Mr Bellingham said: “This Government has a clear vision for our Overseas Territories to be vibrant and flourishing communities, proudly retaining aspects of their British identity and generating wider opportunities for their people. We have made good progress in the last year in developing our approach to the Overseas Territories. We are investing heavily in the Territories that need the most assistance”.Mr Bellingham went on to talk about plans to build an airport on St Helena, development work in Montserrat and ongoing work to restore the principles of good governance and sound financial management to Turks and Caicos. But he did not specifically mention Bermuda.Mr Bellingham said: “We discussed global economic challenges and how the UK and Territories are taking action to strengthen public financial management and diversify economic development. “We also discussed with Territory leaders ways in which we can build a stronger partnership, including by enabling the Territories to access UK public sector expertise and training especially through secondments; and by strengthening links and engagement with the Commonwealth and EU.”The Consultative Council, which is organised by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, has been held annually since 1999 as a forum for discussion of key policy issues. The first day of the OTCC on Wednesday included discussions on the Government’s new Overseas Territories strategy and forthcoming White Paper, as well as sessions on aviation safety, financial regulation, financial crime and taxation.The topics of good governance, financial management and economic planning were also covered.Then yesterday, the event’s second day, the leaders had the chance to talk to UK Government ministers and senior officials from different departments, such as the Home Office, about the Governmentwide approach to supporting the development of the Overseas Territories. Mr Bellingham said he would continue to work with his ministerial colleagues, demonstrating that “the UK Government as a whole is supporting the Territories”.The public consultation on the White Paper for the Overseas Territories, which is due to be issued in Spring, is still open at http://ukoverseasterritories.readandcomment.com.While in London, the Premier is also scheduled to attend a reception for Bermudian Students and Bermudians living in the UK, organised by Bermuda’s London Office.