The decision by Britain to block Bermuda’s Cannabis Licensing Bill 2022 was the topic of recent discussion in UK Parliament.
In September 2023, Bermuda’s UK appointed Governor declined to provide assent to the Cannabis Licensing Bill, which in effect, blocked Bermuda’s ability to implement the legislation which passed in the House of Assembly.
During the British Parliament’s session on June 12th, Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell — who has previously visited Bermuda – asked the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, “if he will review the decision to recommend the withholding of Assent to the Bermuda Cannabis Licensing Bill 2022.”
In response, Assistant Whip [HM Treasury], Parliamentary Under-Secretary [Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office] David Rutley said, “The decision to reserve the Bermuda Cannabis Licencing Bill for the signification of Her Majesty was made by the Governor of Bermuda acting in accordance with her Constitutional role, as it appeared to her to be inconsistent with the UK’s international obligations.
“The former Foreign Secretary then considered the Bill and concluded that, as drafted, it was inconsistent with international obligations held by the UK and Bermuda under UN conventions. On that basis, assent could not legitimately be given.
“The UK is deeply committed to working in partnership with Bermuda and remains available and willing to discuss new proposals on cannabis legislation, to find a way forward that works for Bermuda whilst also remaining within the scope of existing international obligations.”
