Dr Wheatley gave that indication during a reception hosted for his delegation when he arrived in the UK recently. The reception was put on by Chairman of the BVI’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (BVI APPG) in the UK, James Sutherland, MP.

“The Government of National Unity that I lead certainly wants to remain closely engaged with the UK Parliament on the issues of concern and interest to us and our friends here in Westminster,” Premier Wheatley said. “We believe that the BVI APPG is the right partner and the right entry point of this historical institution.”

Premier Wheatley said the BVI and UK has had a solid partnership over the years and said this partnership has yielded good results. He expressed gratitude for the UK’s’ support, particularly with vaccines the BVI received during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic two years ago.

According to Dr Wheatley, the UK and BVI are currently partnering on sanctions, which he said are proving to be particularly effective.

Premier Wheatley is expected to hold talks with UK Overseas Territories Minister Lord Zac Goldsmith and other officials where he intends to press for the removal of a UK Parliamentary Order in Council being held in reserve to enforce the BVI’s compliance with agreed-upon governance reforms that were established in the wake of a damning Commission of Inquiry (COI) report last year.

“Looking ahead, my administration continues to be focused on reform,” Dr Wheatley said. “We remain committed to good governance and strengthening our institutions. A great deal has been done and we will continue to press ahead with reforms that will propel us forward as a modern democratic society.”

Issues related to the environment and the BVI’s financial services industry are also expected to be raised during those discussions.