PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
British Overseas Territories: Companies (22 October 2024)
Question Asked
Asked by:
Anna Dixon (Labour)
Answer
The FCDO has funded an expert NGO, Open Ownership, to provide technical assistance to Overseas Territory governments to establish publicly accessible registers of beneficial ownership (PARBO). The UK Government has also provided legal drafting assistance to some OTs and funding to Montserrat for costs associated with implementing their publicly accessible register. I have written to all OT Leaders and Governors including in person meetings over the last few days with the Governments in Anguilla and BVI, setting out my expectations of urgent progress. I was delighted Montserrat launched their PARBO on 11 October.
Since 2023, the UK has held several technical workshops on beneficial ownership with Overseas Territories. The most recent on 31 October 2024, following discussions between officials at the 'UK-OT Illicit Finance Dialogue' held on 07-09 October.
I look forward to further discussions at the Joint Ministerial Council in late November, where this will feature on the agenda.
Answered by:
Stephen Doughty (Labour)
5 November 2024
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