The All Party Parliamentary Group for the Cayman Islands was reconstituted in Westminster, London, on Tuesday night (12 September 2017), for the first time since the U.K. general election in June.

The group, which promotes Cayman Islands interests in the U.K. and internationally, now has more than 30 MPs and Peers. This is a significant increase since the group was re-formed in February with 22 members.

The boost comes as a result of the Cayman Islands Government London Office proactively engaging U.K. Parliamentarians, educating them about the territory, and sharing jurisdictional successes and challenges.

“Visits to the U.K. by the Cayman Islands Premier and Ministers have proved invaluable in re-establishing ourselves in a positive manner within Westminster and with Parliamentarians,” said Cayman Islands Representative Eric Bush.

“Having an active and engaging All Party Parliamentary Group is very beneficial for the Cayman Islands. As matters arise within the U.K. or European Union, generally, or specifically in Parliament, or in Brussels, we now have a core group of U.K. Parliamentarians that will fight our cause with relevant, up-to-date information to ward off opposition, or those who would intend us ill-will.”

The All Party Parliamentary Group was inactive for a number of years prior to Mr. Bush taking up the London Office role in July 2016. Since his appointment, he has been engaging with Members of Parliament and this week’s reconstitution of the group is a result of his concerted efforts.

Comprised of backbench MPs, the group is chaired by Graham Brady, who also chairs the 1922 Committee. This is the Conservative Party backbench, whose members choose the Prime Minister when holding a majority in Parliament.

Having an active and engaged All Party Parliamentary Group is seen by the Cayman Islands Government as particularly important while the U.K. prepares to leave the European Union.

“This is not only valuable in our defence, but also to aid us in better identifying opportunities that would be beneficial to our islands and our people,” said Mr. Bush.

The humanitarian mission from the Cayman Islands, which is currently underway in Anguilla following the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma, was praised by members of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Tuesday night.

With regards to aid efforts, the Cayman Islands Government Office continues to liaise with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, as well representatives and offices of the British Overseas Territories of Anguilla, British Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands, which were all heavily impacted by the storm.