Governor Thorold Masefield has asked Premier Pamela Gordon and Opposition Leader Jennifer Smith to help shape the new deal for the UK's former colonies.

Now the two will have several weeks to come up with ideas for consideration by British Labour Party Foreign Secretary Robin Cook and the Foreign Office team working on building new relationships with the UK's Dependent Territories in the wake of the handover of Hong Kong to China.

Deputy Governor Peter Willis last night confirmed: "I can say that the Governor has approached the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition for their views.'' The Royal Gazette understands that the Foreign Office will expect the wishlists from Bermuda's party leaders by early next month.

Among the Dependent Territories, the main demands emerging appear to be the right to live and work in Britain, the Constitutional position of the BDTs and a change of name to British Overseas Territories.

It is believed both women have been given a blank sheet of paper as the initial stage of the consultation process promised by Mr. Cook in advance of February's announcement of "custom made'' solutions for the handful of overseas territories still flying the British flag.

But it is expected that London will come back with firm ideas on what should happen to better the relationship between Britain and Bermuda and canvass Island opinion again.

Ms Gordon is already on record as saying she wants a passport for Bermudians which "means something'' -- the same rights of entry and abode to the UK as British subjects and EU citizens.

And she backed proposals for a name change from Dependent Territories to reflect Bermuda's self-supporting position under the Crown.

She said last night: "I will take the opportunity to discuss this with my colleagues so if there is anything I've missed we will pick it up before we send our report to London.'' Ms Gordon added: "They are not tied or committed to honouring any of our requests, but Britain is looking at reassessing its position.

Party leaders to have input on `new deal' "And Bermuda should have at least some credence and credibility because we are now the largest remaining Dependent Territory in terms of population.

"I do believe they will look at our requests seriously and that's a positive thing.'' The review for Bermuda and the 12 other Dependent Territories, which have a total population of less than 200,000, was announced by Foreign Office new broom Mr. Cook in August.

The re-think on relations came amid a row over the UK's handling of the crisis in the volcano-stricken Caribbean island of Montserrat.

Mr. Cook admitted then that there had been "a failure of communication'' over Montserrat.

But he said the aim of the review was to underline Britain's long-term commitment to its ex-colonies and give them confidence for the future.

Neither Ms Smith or party spokesman Michael Scott could be contacted last night for comment on the Progressive Labour Party's position.