The Opposition has urged the Premier to "stop playing politics with the Police" and to debate operational control with Members of Parliament.

The UBP said it was understood Dr. Ewart Brown was to "press the UK to hand over operational control of the Police to the Bermuda Government" while he is in London for the annual Overseas Territories Consultative Council (OTCC).

"The United Bermuda Party disagrees with this venture," said Opposition Leader Kim Swan last night in a statement.

He said the Premier had never consulted Bermudians or their MPs on the issue.

"In addition, the Premier has never articulated convincing reasons for his Government to have command of Police operations, nor has he provided an explanation why Bermuda should break the sacrosanct rule followed by virtually all developed countries to keep Police operations out of the hands of politicians," said Mr. Swan.

"This is a major issue, one that would require the rewriting of Bermuda's Constitution if the Premier's gambit is to succeed.

"Given its importance, we call on the Premier to schedule a House of Assembly debate on the issue."

Mr. Swan said: "It is our view that the people of Bermuda do not support the Brown Government taking over operational control of the Police, not just because it runs against democratic best practices, but also for reasons of basic trust and the Government's poor record in managing its existing responsibilities."

He said the Police Commissioner already had operational control while the Governor had Constitutional responsibility and Government had budgetary control.

"In addition, the Government has a seat at regularly-scheduled meetings with the Governor and the Police Commissioner to devise strategies and plans to better manage and direct crime-fighting resources," he said.

"But in mid-October, we learned from the Governor that the Bermuda Government 'have declined' to participate in 'regular discussions which would seek to reach agreement between Government House, Government and the Police'.

"In our view, this reflects a gross dereliction of duty on the part of the Government and is one more example of Dr. Brown putting his politics ahead of the interests of the Island.

"We again urge the Government to work the system as it is. There is plenty of scope to effect any changes it deems necessary. The seat is there at the table. The power is there, as it is in its control of the Police budget.

"Dr. Brown should stop playing politics with the Police and start doing the work he was elected to do."

The Premier is one of five leaders from British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean region to meet with Chris Bryant, UK Minister for the Overseas Territories, this week.

Discussions yesterday (MON) focused on the UK's contingent liabilities and its Overseas Territories' role in managing them. This included financial management, government borrowing and good governance.

Mr. Bryant also spoke on the UK's recent "firm action" in the Turks and Caicos Islands, saying, 'We will step in when we have concerns about poor financial management and inadequate governance'."

Dr. Brown has been accompanied to the OTCC by Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, Paula Cox.

Yesterday the Premier led the Caribbean group's discussions with Mr. Bryant, which he described as "a useful and frank exchange".

Together with leaders from the Cayman Islands, Anguilla, Montserrat and the British Virgin Islands, he said the aim was to speak with "one voice". Bermuda also offered to host next year's pre-OTCC meeting.

The Island delegation also met with the Bermuda All Party Parliamentary Group at the House of Lords yesterday.

This was attended by Lord Hamilton of Epsom and the Group's chair, Ian Davidson MP, plus former UK Cabinet Ministers Lord Parkinson and Lord Howe.

Arnold Minors, the Premier's Press Secretary, said: "UK Parliamentarians were keen to know how they might help tell the 'Bermuda story' with respect to its sound regulatory environment and also how they might assist with the Government's desire to address the increase in instances of gun crime.

"The Premier said: 'Tthis group was engaged and genuine in their desire to help Bermuda. It was an excellent opportunity to share our experiences'."

Mr. Minors said: "Questions fielded came from all quarters and covered the waterfront: US-Bermuda relations, UK-Bermuda relations, Lloyds issues, crime and constitutional arrangements.

"The Minister of Finance fielded several questions about Bermuda's trans-Atlantic lobbying efforts and regulatory successes. The Minister said, 'Members were pleased to hear of our remarkable progress in the signing of TIEAs. Today's meeting demonstrates that Bermuda must be vigilant in combating misinformation and be consistent in telling how sound our regulatory environment is."

The OTCC talks will continue today and tomorrow, and on Friday the Premier travels to Copenhagen to take attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference.