Premier hits back at ‘malicious’ UK attacks

Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley has pushed back against UK lawmakers’ claims that the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is attempting to weaken financial transparency measures.

UK Members of Parliament (MPs) criticized the territory’s proposed framework for a public register of company ownership, arguing that it obstructs efforts to combat financial crime. The BVI’s draft policy would grant access to ownership data only to individuals with a “legitimate interest,” such as law enforcement agencies, businesses, journalists, and civil society groups. However, some UK MPs have condemned the proposal as a “shameful” attempt to shield financial criminals.

Premier Wheatley strongly rejected these allegations, stating that the BVI is an active partner in the fight against financial crime and works closely with UK enforcement agencies, including the National Crime Agency (NCA), His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and the Serious Fraud Office. “The coordinated attack on the jurisdiction serves to mislead the public and pressure the UK Government to take colonial measures against the territory,” Wheatley said. “Financial crime is a global issue, and tackling it effectively requires regulation, transparency, and collaboration—but also fairness and honesty among all stakeholders.”