VerbatimParliament, as it happens

British Overseas Territories: Departmental Coordination

Asked by Dr Al PinkertonLiberal DemocratForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 18 March 2026UIN 120230

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has considered the potential merits of increasing the frequency of inter-department ministerial meetings about the UK Overseas Territories.

Answered by Stephen Doughty

The Overseas Territories Ministerial Group (OTMG) which I chair already meets regularly, interspersed with official level meetings, and other ad hoc meetings as required between individual Ministers - to consider strategic and cross cutting issues affecting the OTs. We also meet cross-departmentally on the Polar regions with issues affecting relevant OTs in the South Atlantic considered in that format too. The OTMG last met on 12 February 2026. We will continue to keep the level of cross-government ministerial engagement on the Overseas Territories under review.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim