The Premier has hit it off with a newly appointed politician in the United Kingdom after several meetings in London yesterday.

Ewart Brown was in the U.K. meeting with Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Henry Bellingham to discuss issues such as independence and the location for future Overseas Territory Consultative Council (OTCC) meetings.

Premier Brown said: "I thought the meeting was the most focused and direct I have ever had with a British Minister. Mr. Bellingham went beyond the usual courtesies to express his desire for a "grown up" relationship between the UK and Bermuda. Dr. Brown continued: "He was clearly interested in pursuing the idea of moving the annual meeting from London as the sole venue.

"He appeared to like an idea that I first floated two years ago that the meeting could be held in the territories on alternate years."

He added: "I think my objective was reached. My successor now has an open door through which to walk and conduct business between Bermuda and the UK. It made the whirlwind schedule worthwhile."