UK pledges stronger backing for territories facing rising crime

The United Kingdom has pledged to work more closely with its Overseas Territories to address rising crime, as part of commitments made at the Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) held in London from November 24 to 27.

In a post-JMC communiqué, the UK stated that it would “work decisively with all territories affected by rising crime to uphold our responsibility to protect their people and to strengthen security and justice across the UK family.”

The UK said the scale of the challenge required “holistic and multi-agency solutions: through co-ordination, defence and operational support and reform across the security and criminal justice sectors, through regional co-operation, and action which also addresses core societal problems, and includes appropriate safeguarding measures.”

The commitment follows years of heightened concern about violent crime in the Caribbean territories. In the BVI, police have reported increases in shootings, armed robberies and gang-related incidents, prompting repeated calls by local officials for stronger UK support. Reports over the last two years have highlighted multiple homicides, firearm seizures and appeals from security officials for enhanced resources and intelligence-sharing.

At the JMC, the UK reiterated that security threats to the Overseas Territories are treated as threats to the UK itself. The communiqué stated that the UK “reaffirms its commitment to defending UK sovereignty over each Territory against external threats,” and noted that maritime security remained vital due to the island geography of most Territories.

Territorial leaders have long argued that serious crime, including gun trafficking and organised criminal networks, has outpaced the capacity of small island police forces. The communiqué emphasised that the UK would broaden its support across the security and justice systems while encouraging strengthened regional partnerships.

The Council also welcomed upcoming initiatives intended to protect vulnerable groups. It recorded commitments by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Government of Bermuda to create an Atlantic Child Advocacy Alliance to improve child safeguarding services across several Territories, including St Helena, the Falkland Islands, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha.

Ministers concluded the session by reaffirming that the Overseas Territories are “vital members of our global British family” and that the partnership would continue to evolve as both sides respond to shared challenges.