The United Kingdom has formally moved to revoke the Order in Council that would have allowed it to suspend the Virgin Islands’ constitution and impose direct rule, citing “important and significant progress” by the Government of the Virgin Islands in implementing Commission of Inquiry (COI) reforms.
In a letter dated September 22, 2025, UK Minister for the Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty informed Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley that the Foreign Secretary had accepted his recommendation to lift the Order in Council, which had been held in reserve since 2022.
“Given the progress made… the Foreign Secretary, on my advice, has concluded that an Interim Administration will not be required,” Doughty wrote. “Instruction has therefore been issued to ‘lift’ the draft Order in Council (through revocation).”
Although revocation will take several months to become legally effective, the move represents a significant turning point in the post-COI reform process and a clear signal of confidence from the UK in the Territory’s efforts to rebuild public trust and restore good governance.
Doughty acknowledged that while concerns remain, particularly around the implementation of some reforms, the joint efforts of the Virgin Islands Government, the Governor, and the public service had meaningfully addressed many of the issues raised in the 2022 Commission of Inquiry.
To ensure continued accountability, the UK has directed the Governor to implement a new monitoring mechanism, which will include six-monthly public reports on governance progress. The Minister also proposed an annual public survey on governance and reform implementation.
“Fundamental and sustained change… will be the only true safeguard against backsliding,” Doughty said, warning that the UK reserves the right to take “any appropriate actions necessary in future.”
While commending the overall reform progress, the UK remains deeply concerned about policing and customs operations. Doughty cited findings from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), which highlighted deficiencies in vetting, resource management, and the overall capacity to address serious and organized crime.
The UK minister stressed the urgent need for reforms in law enforcement agencies, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to working with local authorities to strengthen public safety and institutional integrity.