An agreement with Britain which allows Bermuda to negotiate directly with other countries has been "strengthened" after a review, the Premier said last night.

The UK launched the review of the general entrustment agreement after four former Guantánamo Bay prisoners were brought to the Island in June without its permission. British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said at the time that because of the secrecy with which the Uighur Muslims were brought here, the 40-year-old agreement had to be reconsidered.

Premier Ewart Brown, who has been in London for talks this week, said he had been given a copy of the revised document by MP Chris Bryant, under-secretary of state for overseas territories. "I welcome this strengthened and clearer statement of the relationship and mutual responsibilities of the governments of Bermuda and the UK," he said. "It's a framework within which we shall have little problem working."

His spokesperson said later that the Premier was unable to comment on the details until he was presented with a formal copy by the Governor. The Opposition has claimed that the revisions could severely limit Bermuda's ability to negotiate internationally.

The Premier and Mr. Bryant also discussed topics such as the economy and crime. "I took the opportunity to emphasise the concerns of the Government and the people of Bermuda about the need to fully engage in the fight against crime and to stamp out the trend towards gun violence," said Dr. Brown.

He called the meeting "positive" and said that he will meet with Mr. Bryant again in December at the Overseas Territories Consultative Council meeting. The Premier is scheduled to return to the Island today.