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Written question asked by Richard Holden (Conservative) on Friday, 5 December 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 9 December 2025. It was answered by Stephen Doughty (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 December 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

British Overseas Territories: Courts

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, in light of the recent ruling on 51Job, Inc. by the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, what steps she is taking to ensure that Overseas Territory courts comply with Privy Council rulings in cases involving (a) British investors and (b) pension funds.

Answer

Financial Services regulation is a devolved matter for the Cayman Islands Government. The UK Government works closely with the Cayman Islands authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure robust legal frameworks. Cayman Islands courts operate independently under a well-established legal system based on English common law, providing avenues for parties to challenge harmful actions. I discussed with Premier Ebanks at the recent Joint Ministerial Council how to work together to promote further trade and investment ties, and welcomed the important steps taken by the Cayman Islands Government to promote greater corporate transparency.

The UK Government respects the impartiality of the Cayman Islands Courts. The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council is the highest court of appeal for the Overseas Territories, and its decisions are binding.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
97571
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Courts British overseas territories Privy Council Overseas investment
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk