OT 293: Letter to the Chairman from Gillian Merron MP

 

 

I felt that it would be helpful to write to you following on from Meg Munn's letter of 17 June attaching a draft new Falkland Islands Constitution Order 2008.

 

Since then, there has been a further period of public consultation on the Islands, including a number of public meetings led by Councillors. This culminated in a debate in Legislative Council on 12 September and a vote on a motion on the draft. This process has resulted in a small number of minor amendments, primarily relating to legal clarifications and further tightening where the circumstances of the Falklands required greater specificity. It also resulted in a further clarification of the definition of Falkland Islands status - at the request of Councillors - which, I am satisfied, means that no-one will be better or worse off under the new Constitution and which fits with our international obligations.

 

I have attached a copy of the final draft[1] which I have agreed with Councillors and which I will be recommending be made by Her Majesty in the Privy Council in November.

 

I hope this is helpful. If you would like any further information, do not hesitate to contact me.

 

 

14 October 2008

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[1] Not published.