David Burt has defended the pace of constitutional reform after the same promises on changes in the relationship with the UK were made in two successive Throne Speeches.

The Premier insisted that it was wrong to say very little had been done on the relationship between Bermuda and the UK since last year’s Throne Speech.

With constitutional reform again being promised in last week’s Parliamentary set-piece outlining future legislation, Mr Burt denied the Government was scared of extra authority.

The Premier said: “Items and matters are continuing to progress and I don’t think that the Government fears anything.

“We are going to approach it in the way that works best for the country. ”

He added: “I would not say that nothing has actually happened. What I would say is that the Attorney General is doing her research making sure that she is collating various items.

“To say that nothing has happened I don’t think I would say is respectful to the work that is being done by the dedicated public officers.”

Mr Burt insisted that constitutional reform would remain a bipartisan effort.

“I think it would be a broad aspect of items.

“There have been numerous constitutional reforms that have been taken in many overseas territories.

“There have also been certain things requested by Government House that we may look to go ahead and change.

“Constitutional change happens in a bipartisan process and it will continue in a bipartisan process.”