The UK Government has confirmed the that the Virgin Islands Constitution (Interim Amendment) Order 2022 be lifted in march 2026 following the completion of the required UK constitutional and Privy Council processes. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

On Thursday December 11, 2025, Minister of State for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories, Stephen J. Doughty, MP (left) announced that the order in council will be revoked in March 2026. Photo: VINO/File

Following the 2022 Commission of Inquiry, the UK implemented the order of council allowing potential suspension of constitutional reforms. The UK recently decided to revoke in late 2025, signaling confidence in the VI government's progress on governance reforms. Photo: Internet Source

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) made this announcement during a press conference on Friday, December 12, 2025.

The premier told the press conference that on Thursday, December 11, 2025, Minister of State for Europe, North America and UK Overseas Territories, Stephen J. Doughty, MP, announced that the order in council will be revoked in March 2026.

“Minister of the Overseas Territory, Stephen Doughty, announced that the Order in Council be revoked in March,” Wheatley stated.  

Order of Council instituted since 2022

Following the 2022 Commission of Inquiry (CoI), the UK implemented the Order of Council, allowing potential suspension of constitutional reforms. The UK recently decided to revoke it in late 2025, signalling confidence in the VI government's progress on governance reforms.

It was previously reported on May 9, 2025, that Premier Wheatley said the VI had fulfilled its obligations under the Framework Agreement, and as such called for the lifting of the Order in Council—a controversial legislative instrument enacted in 2022 that enables the UK government to impose direct rule should the reforms fail. 

Cabinet commended 

The Premier welcomed the decision by the UK to revoke the order of council while commending the work of the cabinet members for this success.

"I pay tribute to the Cabinet and the Cabinet Office, the Speaker and the members of the House of Assembly, my Special Envoy, my Chief Advisor, our dedicated public officers in this effort.” 

He added that the lifting of the Order of Council has been "outstanding".