LONDON, ENGLAND — October 22, 2026 — The last time the Turks and Caicos Islands went on the record about having a representative in the UK Parliament, then-Premier Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson said there was no local appetite for it.

She made the statement on December 5, 2018, while giving evidence before the UK House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee during its inquiry into the future of the British Overseas Territories.

“There is no appetite in Turks and Caicos for it,” she told the committee.

Magnetic Media research reveals that Caribbean British Overseas Territories have never demonstrated unanimous support for direct representation at Westminster. However, in a press release received on Thursday, October 22, 2026, a group called Conservative Friends of the Overseas Territories (CFOT) revealed proposals for all 14 British Overseas Territories to receive dedicated representation in the House of Lords.

The proposal revisits a longstanding constitutional question on which Caribbean territorial leaders have expressed differing views. Some have favoured direct parliamentary representation, while others have preferred existing arrangements for engaging with British parliamentarians.

The latest proposal differs from earlier discussions about elected representatives in the House of Commons. CFOT is advocating dedicated representation in the House of Lords, intended to strengthen the territories’ influence without replacing their elected governments.

The proposal forms part of a wider strategy that CFOT hopes will influence the policies of a future Conservative government.

The Conservative Party, led by Kemi Badenoch since November 2024, is currently the second most popular political party in Britain, according to the latest YouGov opinion poll. It remains in opposition but has shown signs of recovery in public support. The October 18–19 survey placed the Conservatives at 23 per cent, ahead of Reform UK at 22 per cent, while the governing Labour Party led with 27 per cent. Conservative support has risen from 20 per cent earlier this month, although the party’s position varies across different polls. The improvement comes as Badenoch’s party seeks to rebuild its political standing following its defeat in the 2024 general election.

The newly released report, A New Era of Partnership: Sovereignty, Security and Sustainability – Redefining the UK Relationship with the Overseas Territories, was launched earlier this month at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, attended by Shadow Overseas Territories Minister Wendy Morton MP, Conservative parliamentarians and Peers.

A VOICE AT WESTMINSTER

Under the proposal, every British Overseas Territory would have dedicated representation in the House of Lords, providing a consistent parliamentary voice on constitutional rights, security, international relations and economic development.

The report stresses that such representation should strengthen, rather than replace, the democratic authority of territorial governments and their elected legislatures.

It also recommends parliamentary safeguards requiring approval before fundamental changes to a territory’s sovereignty, constitutional status or territorial integrity could take effect.

Another major proposal would establish a Cabinet Committee on the Overseas Territories, chaired by the British Prime Minister.

This would place territorial affairs under direct oversight at the highest level of UK government, with participation from Overseas Territory governments and regular reporting to Parliament.

A NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH BRITAIN

CFOT is also advocating a long-term UK–Overseas Territories strategy, jointly developed with territorial governments, within the first year of a future Conservative administration.

The strategy would be supported by individual agreements setting out priorities, responsibilities and measurable outcomes.

A proposed “no surprises” commitment would ensure territorial governments are consulted early and kept informed about British legislation, international negotiations and decisions that could materially affect their interests.

The report also proposes a permanent UK–Overseas Territories Security and Resilience Partnership, with stronger intelligence-sharing, maritime surveillance and cooperation against organised crime and illegal fishing.

Other priorities include protecting critical infrastructure, improving disaster preparedness and strengthening food, water and energy security.

Economic recommendations include improved access to banking services, greater participation in international markets and support for financial and professional services, artificial intelligence, digital assets, emerging technologies and sustainable tourism.

The report also proposes multi-year environmental conservation funding and reforms to the Darwin Plus programme, giving territorial administrations a more direct role in managing conservation projects.

Greater participation in international diplomacy, improved access to UK education and public-service training, and annual parliamentary reporting are among the additional recommendations.

CFOT: TERRITORIES DESERVE STRONGER PARTNERSHIP

Giles Roca, Chief Executive of CFOT, said the existing relationship between Britain and its Overseas Territories was fragmented and relied on a strategy that had not been updated in 15 years.

“The Overseas Territories deserve a relationship with the United Kingdom that reflects their strategic importance, respects their democratic self-government and gives them a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their future,” Roca stated.

He identified dedicated House of Lords representation and prime ministerial oversight as central elements of the proposed reforms.

CFOT was established in September 2024 as a Conservative-affiliated special interest group. It says its membership includes more than 50 Conservative MPs and Peers.

The organisation argues that the territories should be treated as partners with their own democratic institutions, economic circumstances and constitutional arrangements, rather than having their interests managed through disconnected British government departments.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The proposals arrive ahead of the next UK–Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council meeting in November, when territorial leaders are expected to continue discussions about their relationship with Britain.

Caribbean Overseas Territory leaders have already called for a new UK White Paper to replace the 2012 framework, seeking clearer commitments on consultation, constitutional development and the future of the relationship.

The CFOT recommendations, however, are not UK Government policy and have not been formally adopted by the Conservative Party or Overseas Territory governments.

The report is intended to influence future British policy discussions, including the development of a more structured relationship with the territories.

For the Turks and Caicos Islands, the proposal raises a practical question: whether having a dedicated representative inside the British Parliament would provide greater influence over decisions affecting the territory.

It remains to be established which Overseas Territory governments were consulted in developing the CFOT proposals and whether they would welcome the particular model of House of Lords representation now being recommended.

Find the full report here:  https://www.cfot.co.uk/

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 21st October 2026: The Crown Land Unit, with coordination and support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise in the Five Cays area of Providenciales on October 8, 2026, as part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to address the illegal occupation and unauthorized use of Crown land.

The exercise brought together representatives from the Crown Land Unit, ISU, TCI Border Force and Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Inspections were conducted across several parcels of Crown land in Five Cays, where instances of illegal occupation and unauthorized use had been identified.

During the exercise, a total of seven (7) Section 22 Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued in accordance with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance. The notices related to the unauthorized placement of shipping containers and derelict vehicles, as well as the construction of an incomplete concrete structure on Crown land. Where occupants or other responsible persons were not present, notices were affixed to the relevant structures or items.

The exercise forms part of the Crown Land Unit’s continuing efforts to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land and to ensure that instances of unauthorized occupation are identified and appropriately addressed.

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds the public that occupying, developing or otherwise using Crown land without lawful authority is an offence under the Crown Land Ordinance. These inspections and enforcement activities form part of a sustained program aimed at safeguarding public lands, discouraging unlawful development and ensuring that Crown land is managed in the best interests of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Crown Land Unit will continue to work closely with the ISU and other partner agencies to identify and address instances of illegal occupation across the Islands. Persons occupying Crown land without authorization are encouraged to comply with all notices issued and to seek guidance from the relevant authorities where necessary.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 19^th October 2026: Invest Turks and Caicos Agency (Invest TCI) strengthened its regional presence at the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) 2026, held October 5 – 7, 2026, in Bridgetown, Barbados, participating as both a sponsor of the Forum and representative of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ investment landscape.

The Caribbean Investment Forum brought together regional and international investors, government representatives, business leaders, entrepreneurs, investment promotion agencies, and development partners to explore investment opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and advance sustainable economic development throughout the Caribbean.

The Agency’s sponsorship of CIF 2026 formed part of its continued commitment to strengthening the visibility of the Turks and Caicos Islands within the regional investment community and building relationships with investors, development partners, investment promotion agencies, and businesses across the Caribbean.

The opening of the Forum was attended by the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, who emphasised the importance of scaling regional investment, strengthening economic cooperation, and transforming innovative ideas into commercially viable opportunities. Invest TCI was represented by Ms. Alexa Cooper, Domestic Investment Officer, and Mr. Hezron Henry, Marketing Support Officer. Throughout the Forum, the delegation engaged with stakeholders and promoted the Turks and Caicos Islands as a competitive investment destination while exploring opportunities for greater regional collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Speaking on her experience at the Forum, Ms. Alexa Cooper, Chief Domestic Investment Officer, said:

“CIF 2026 provided another valuable opportunity to engage with donor organisations, investors and Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) from across the Caribbean. A highlight for me was the introduction of an exclusive masterclass for fund managers, investors and support organisations, which offered practical insights into unlocking capital, strengthening investment ecosystems and supporting investment-ready businesses. I was equally impressed with the quality of projects pitched, which showcased the region’s innovation and investment potential. It was encouraging to see projects presented with a clearer understanding of investor expectations, reinforcing the importance of not simply developing projects, but ensuring they are well-structured, investment-ready and positioned to attract the right investment partners.”

Accompanying the Invest TCI delegation was Mr. Sean Penn, Chief Executive Officer of Sky Poultry Farm Ltd., the first commercial egg and poultry production facility in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Mr. Penn’s participation provided an opportunity to showcase the development of domestic enterprise within the Turks and Caicos Islands while highlighting the potential of agriculture and food production as part of the country’s broader economic diversification efforts.

Through his participation at CIF 2026, Mr. Penn had the opportunity to engage with regional stakeholders, gain exposure to developments within the Caribbean agricultural sector, and explore potential partnerships and opportunities related to agricultural investment, innovation, and enterprise development.

For Invest TCI, the combination of sponsorship, investment promotion and local business representation provided a multifaceted platform to advance the Agency’s mandate. It allowed Invest TCI not only to promote the Turks and Caicos Islands to prospective investors but also to facilitate greater exposure for a local enterprise operating within an emerging sector of the economy. The Forum also provided opportunities for the Invest TCI delegation to exchange knowledge with regional counterparts, strengthen institutional relationships, and gain insight into investment trends and opportunities affecting Caribbean economies.

As the Caribbean Investment Forum continues to expand its regional reach, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was announced as the destination for the next edition of the Forum, providing another opportunity to bring together investors, policymakers, investment promotion agencies and businesses from across the Caribbean and beyond.

Invest TCI looks forward to the continued growth of the Caribbean Investment Forum and the opportunities it creates to deepen regional partnerships, promote investment, and connect Caribbean businesses with new markets and sources of capital. The Agency remains committed to attracting sustainable investment, supporting domestic enterprise, encouraging economic diversification, and developing partnerships that contribute to the long-term economic development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.