Premier Ewart Brown told the House of Assembly that Britain was committed to a "grown-up relationship" with Bermuda.

His comments came after he met with the new Minister responsible for Bermuda in London during a 15 hour visit to the UK.

Dr. Brown said Henry Bellingham was a Conservative MP who has a career in foreign affairs. He added the meeting was "warm and more than cordial".

He told the House on Friday: "Mr. Bellingham emphasised that this Government's prompt response to the adoption of international sanctions, anti-terrorist and anti-money laundering regulations was appreciated by the UK Government and stood them in good stead in the international community.

"Mr. Speaker, I took the opportunity of this bilateral discussion to advise the Minister of the much-improved working relationship between this Government and Government House in the area of law enforcement.

"We both remarked on the successes the Bermuda Police Service had realised of late and agreed that it remained critical to evidence tangible support for the Police and their fight against crime and anti-social behaviour."

Dr. Brown said Mr. Bellingham was committed to a "grown-up" relationship with Bermuda. "Mr. Bellingham was gracious in his welcome, fulsome in his praise of Bermuda and keenly interested in our issues.

"I am pleased to have laid the foundation for a new, meaningful working relationship for Bermuda with this Minister."