Bermuda has nothing to fear from British requests for constitutional change according to Premier Pamela Gordon.

And she once again stressed that, regardless of whether or not the Island adopts UK Government recommendations, the question of citizenship will be treated as a separate matter.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Ms Gordon also suggested that a referendum on capital punishment -- which Britain wants all Dependent Territories to abolish -- could be held shortly.

"I believe the Rt. Hon. Robin Cook's proposals for a new status for the Overseas Territories promise to be for us the most important constitutional advance since 1968,'' she said.

"Is this a thinly disguised attempt by Britain to manoeuvre us into giving up some or all of our competitive edge in international business by making more stringent financial legislation a condition of our status as an Overseas Territory? Do we have to do what Britain says or go independent? "No, I think that's a cynical distortion of what's going on. I believe that citizenship for the people of Bermuda and the other Overseas Territories is an issue which Britain is going to deal with on its moral merits.

"I believe that the issue of regulatory measures is one that Britain expects the Overseas Territories will deal with on their moral merits. Although the two things are being raised at the same time, I believe Mr. Cook when he says there is no cause and effect relationship between them. "Although we do not know in detail precisely what Britain is going to suggest in terms of new legislative regulation, it has been all but stated by those who speak for Britain that Bermuda already meets the standards they will require in all but one or two areas.

"I do not want people to get the impression that I believe there are no possible negatives. I believe there are, especially in the area of financial measures.

"I know there will be many in the community who will feel strongly about the possibility of our removing capital and corporal punishment from the books but we have already stated unequivocally that no agreement will be made without full consultation with the people of Bermuda.

"This is one issue that we have made very clear. The people of this country must be given the right for their input so that we can get a full picture of what the people of this country want.

"Bermuda cannot survive on its own. We have to look at the big picture and if we are signatories to European conventions and if we do not wish to be isolated we have to look at these issues.'' Meanwhile opposition leader Jennifer Smith said the PLP will be "keeping a watching brief'' on further talks.

"I think we should be very cautious,'' she said.

"We would be naive to think that any closer partnership would not carry responsibilities and obligations on our part.'' And referring to the question of British citizenship Ms Smith said she was not certain whether there would be much demand for it.

"Bermuda hadn't seen any great expression for it,'' she said.

"But if it was offered we would have to examine it on its own merits. I don't think there should be an offer with strings attached.'' IMMIGRATION IMM