Topical question asked in the House of Commons, by David Clelland (Labour). It was answered on Tuesday, 30 June 2009 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Topical Questions

Question: Will the Foreign Secretary update the House on the situation with regard to the Turks and Caicos Islands? Notwithstanding the serious problems that have arisen there, does he agree that it would be far better for Her Majesty's Government to work with the new democratic Government than to take the draconian step of returning the islands to colonial rule, which would be unpopular not only in TCI but right across the wider Caribbean?

Answer: It is important that we make sure that there is no corruption in the Turks and Caicos Islands. I pay tribute to the report by the Foreign Affairs Committee on this matter, which pointed us to the process that has led, first, to an interim report, and secondly to a final report, which we hope to publish soon. It would be wholly inappropriate for us to take no action whatsoever with regard to very serious issues that have been highlighted by the commissioner.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 495 c161
Session: 2008-09
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Politics and government Turks and Caicos Islands Capital punishment Iran
Link: View this Topical question on www.publications.parliament.uk