TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands (CMC) — Special ministerial talks in relation to Brexit negotiations will be held with political leaders in the British Virgin Islands and other Overseas Territories early in 2017 before Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty takes effect.

This Article would start the process of Britain exiting the European Union.

At a recent meeting of the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) in London, it was agreed that the talks will be held between the UK and its territories.

BVI’s Premier and Finance Minister Dr Orlando Smith welcomed plans to hold talks.

“I am pleased that the UK acknowledges the importance of the Overseas Territories (OTs) having high level engagement on Brexit negotiations which will affect our position”.

He also noted that the UK’s decision to leave the European Union was not only a game-changer for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland “but for the whole UK family of which the Overseas Territories are an integral part. Brexit is now a journey we must embark on together and together we can make a success of it”.

Smith, whose presidency of the UK Overseas Territories Political Council will end in January, said he will remain engaged with the UK government on preparations for the special Brexit-related meeting early next year.