The Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) for the UK Overseas Territories concluded its annual meeting in London on November 27, 2025. The event brought together the Minister for UK Overseas Territories and elected leaders and representatives from the Overseas Territories to discuss shared priorities under the theme “Protect, Grow, Sustain – Together.”
Over four days, participants engaged in bilateral meetings, presentations, and a business networking lunch aimed at strengthening ties between the UK and its Overseas Territories. Discussions focused on several key areas.
On relationship strengthening, attendees explored how to move forward collectively by developing Partnership Compacts. These are intended as practical frameworks for advancing shared priorities between the UK and those Overseas Territories that choose to participate.
Technology and security were also central topics. The council examined advances in artificial intelligence within healthcare settings across the territories and discussed ways to improve cybersecurity, risk governance, and address issues such as irregular migration.
Environmental concerns featured prominently with discussions around nature conservation, climate resilience, finance opportunities for climate adaptation projects, and recognition of the important role played by Overseas Territories in these areas.
Economic matters addressed included illicit finance prevention, support for economic growth through loan-based assistance from UK Export Finance, implications of UK Free Trade Agreements for territories, and considerations regarding future Official Development Assistance.
Business engagement was encouraged through strengthened dialogue between UK businesses and the territories. This included a networking lunch designed to facilitate one-on-one conversations about economic diversification and deeper commercial ties.
Sports and culture were highlighted as opportunities for collaboration through events like the Commonwealth Games. Participants discussed ways to support athletes from the territories competing internationally while promoting sportsmanship across communities.
Formal outcomes of these discussions have been published in the “UK and Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council 2025: Communiqué,” which is available online.
At the close of proceedings, Minister Stephen Doughty hosted a reception at No 1 George Street in London. Attendees included delegations from both UK and overseas governments along with invited guests. Key addresses were given by Minister Doughty; Dr Natalio D. Wheatley, Premier of the British Virgin Islands; Minister Creagh CBE; and Dr Gemma Harper OBE of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
Minister Creagh officially launched the UK Overseas Biodiversity Strategy during her speech at this event. According to organizers, “The Strategy was widely applauded and welcomed by the Overseas Territories for the consultation and engagement of the OTs during its development, ensuring it reflects and addresses OT priorities.” The new strategy document has been made available online.
In addition to these meetings, delegates attended a reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by HM The King for members of Overseas Territories participating in this year’s JMC.
Photo credits throughout were attributed to the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).