MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

OT Consultive Coucil in London

Bill Rammell MP, Overseas Territories Minister, is hosting the fifth Overseas Territories Consultative Council (OTCC) starting on 8 December at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The event will be attended by Chief Ministers (and equivalents) of Britain's Overseas Territories.

'I am particularly looking forward to my first OTCC. This annual Council provides an excellent forum for consultation with British Government Ministers", said Mr. Rammell prior to the event.

"This year discussion will cover the overall UK / OT relationship, constitutional reform and the role of Governors, financial issues and EU development assistance.

The Council will also mark the launch of a new £3 million environmental management programme in the OTs to be jointly funded by the FCO and DFID.

The Overseas Territories Consultative Council was established in 1999 as a forum for discussion of key policy issues with heads of territory governments. The Council meets once a year in London. An FCO Minister (currently Mr Rammell) has specific responsibilities for Overseas Territory issues.

The Falkland Islands will be represented by Governor Howard Pearce.