Cole Simons, the Leader of the Opposition, is in London this week at the British Overseas Territories Forum.

Mr Simons attended to discuss common global challenges as well as unique individual legislature issues with Overseas Territories members.

In his role as chairman of Bermuda’s Public Accounts Committee, Mr Simons led a round-table discussion entitled “Managing Public Finances in the Current Global Economic Context”.

OT members discussed the global economic outlook, the impact of rising interest rates, the cost of living and the possibility of a global recession, and identified key lessons for government responses.

Using the British context and drawing on references to the OTs and other small jurisdictions, Mr Simons said: “Before reaching a conclusion about Bermuda’s independence, Bermudians must acknowledge the advanced state of Bermuda’s constitutional order, especially our current degree of self-governance, the economic and social impact of such a decision, and the UK Government’s involvement and interventions in the other overseas jurisdictions, whether positive or negative.”

Also attending the invitation-only event, which was financially underwritten by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s UK branch, is Susan Jackson, the Shadow Minister of Transport.

Ms Jackson spoke on “Comparing Parliamentary Systems”, with reference to Heather Thomas, Bermuda’s Auditor-General, and Kara Beale, the Assistant Clerk to the Legislature.