For so long, our British Parliament has been able to dictate the nature of matters concerning foreign policy and defence without the participation of our Overseas Territories who do not have a say in our legislature, in any of our institutions, and cannot even become associate members of the Commonwealth.
This is why today, in the House of Commons, Andrew Rosindell M.P. spoke up for our fellow Britons overseas who should rightly have some form of representation.
The Minister will know that the 16 British overseas territories are cherished parts of the British family, and we rightly expect good governance from them in return for their being part of our British family. However, is it not time that they were given some form of representation—not necessarily here in the British Parliament, but in institutions such as a Committee of the House, where they could actually have a voice? At the moment, they have no representation in any sense; they are not even allowed to be members of the Commonwealth—not even associate members. Will he look at that, and see whether the Government can come up with a new approach to ensure that our British overseas territories are fully represented?
Andrew Rosindell M.P., Member of Parliament for Romford
I understand my hon. Friend’s point, which he makes with characteristic conviction. The Foreign Affairs Committee is setting up a Sub-Committee that will engage the overseas territories more. Of course, I am a strong voice, along with many other people here, for the overseas territories and will continue to be so.
David Rutley M.P., Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
