British territory 'in turmoil'

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Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell has said the previous government "should be ashamed" of its response to the crisis in Turks and Caicos.

The British Overseas Territory was placed under special measures in 2009 when the governor took direct control from a corrupt native administation.

During today's adjournment debate Rosindell said the nation of 26,000 people just south of the Bahamas suffers under "endemic corruption, economic turmoil and violent crime".

He said unless the government takes urgent action the Turks and Caicos will continue to deteriorate.

Yet the foreign office has stated "it would be inappropriate for UK taxpayers money to be used to fill a deficit created by the financial mismanagement of the previous administration.”

Rosindell called that "an appalling and inexcusable stance".

"The people of the Turks and Caicos are British, too, and they deserve our support.

"The previous government should be ashamed of how they handled the situation there, and of the relationship that they fostered with the overseas territories in general."

He added: "I put it to the government that they have committed to giving millions of pounds in aid to foreign countries, and yet let poverty and despair be fostered on our very own soil."

Whip James Duddridge replied on behalf of the government.

He said the coalition is taking "a new approach to the overseas territories, an approach exemplified by the support that we are giving to the Turks and Caicos Islands".

"Much work has been done and much progress made, but I acknowledge that much more remains to be done.

"We will work with the governor and all the other bodies to ensure that this happens.

"The UK government and the current Turks and Caicos Islands government, led by the governor, will continue to work hard to ensure that the principles of good governance, sound financial management and sustainable development are firmly embedded across the public service and the wider society."

Duddridge also said the overseas territories cannot expect "unconditional handouts of UK taxpayers' money".

"We are providing support in the Turks and Caicos Islands where it will have the most lasting benefit by, for example, funding advisers to develop the wide-ranging reforms that are needed, giving temporary financial support to help protect the islands from financial collapse, and funding the deployment of UK police officers.

"We are doing what we can to support the territory despite the financial crisis here in the UK.

"In exchange, we want the territory to manage its affairs as successfully and effectively as possible."

He added: "In today’s world, that means sound public finances, with high-quality and accountable government and public services."