Burt defiant in talks with May

Sarah Lagan

Published May 28, 2018 at 8:00 am (Updated May 28, 2018 at 7:58 am)

David Burt, the Premier, spoke over the phone with British Prime Minister Theresa May (Photograph supplied)

David Burt reiterated Bermuda’s position about a public register of beneficial ownership during a phone conversation with British Prime Minister Theresa May.

The Premier joined other leaders from the Overseas Territories for a 35-minute conversation with the UK leader last Thursday.

He said: “During the call, I restated the Government of Bermuda’s position: this country does not recognise the right of the United Kingdom Parliament to legislate on matters which are internal affairs reserved to Bermuda under its constitution.

“I reiterated our position that Bermuda will implement a public register of beneficial ownership when it is a global standard.”

Britain’s Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill, which aims to force British Overseas Territories to set up a public register of beneficial ownership, has won approval from both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Mr Burt has argued it shows “wanton disregard” for Bermuda’s Constitution, and has vowed that Bermuda will not make its register public until the House of Assembly votes to do so.

Bermuda has kept a register of beneficial ownership for decades. It is open to the authorities in other countries on request, but not available to members of the public.

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