Q&A On Plans To Support The Territories
“HM Government has plans in place to support the Overseas Territories in a range of scenarios where assistance may be required – such as in providing relief following a natural disaster – and keeps these under review, including in consultation with the Territories as appropriate,” Minister of State [Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office] Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park said.
During the British Parliament’s session on March 28th, Conservative MP Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton asked His Majesty’s Government “what contingency plans they have in place to exercise their reserve powers in overseas territories.”
In response, Minister of State [Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office] Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park said, “The UK maintains reserved powers to carry out its obligations under international law and in line with our constitutional relationship.
“While the UK maintains the responsibilities of the sovereign power, the Overseas Territories are largely internally self-governing. HM Government has plans in place to support the Overseas Territories in a range of scenarios where assistance may be required – such as in providing relief following a natural disaster – and keeps these under review, including in consultation with the Territories as appropriate.”
