Premier: VI set for constitutional talks with UK in early 2026

The BVI is set to begin formal constitutional negotiations with the United Kingdom in early 2026, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley announced following agreements reached at the 2025 Joint Ministerial Council in London.

The Premier, at a press conference, said the talks would mark a major step toward constitutional reform, grounded in recommendations already approved by the House of Assembly and aimed at strengthening democratic accountability and self-reliance.

“We secured agreement to begin formal constitutional negotiations with the United Kingdom early in 2026,” Dr Wheatley said. “This is an important milestone.”

According to the Premier, the negotiations will allow the territory to move forward with reforms proposed by a Committee of the House on Constitutional Advancement. He said the report will soon be laid in the House of Assembly and forwarded to the UK’s Overseas Territories minister, after which a local negotiating team will be appointed.

“These talks will allow us to advance the recommendations of our own House of Assembly and continue the work of building a stronger, more self-reliant territory,” Dr Wheatley said.

The Premier told reporters that the negotiations would take place within the framework of a partnership that recognises the democratic rights of Virgin Islanders while supporting development priorities.

“The Virgin Islands is committed to a modern, respectful partnership with the United Kingdom, one that honours our democratic rights, strengthens our institutions, and supports the development priorities of our people,” he said.

Dr Wheatley also said that a new constitution would be followed by a bilateral compact with the UK to guide cooperation over the coming years. He linked the upcoming talks to ongoing governance reforms implemented since the Commission of Inquiry, describing them as providing a foundation for trust and transparency in the negotiations.

Constitutional reform has remained a central issue in political discourse since the UK imposed governance reforms following the Commission of Inquiry, including the threat of direct rule through an Order in Council. That order is now expected to be revoked, a development the Premier said reflected progress made by the territory.

He added that the upcoming constitutional talks would aim to strengthen democratic accountability, particularly in areas such as security and the public service, which remain under UK control. “We are seeking to negotiate with the United Kingdom a new constitution that could strengthen democratic accountability even more,” the Premier added.