U.K. Minister Gillian Merron, who is responsible for Overseas Territories, applauded the Government of Bermuda’s decision to create a London office. She said:

I congratulate the Government of Bermuda on the opening of its first London Office. This is an important first step which will raise Bermuda’s profile in London and send out a positive message in these difficult economic times.

FCO Colin Roberts also congratulated Bermuda on its new office presence in London:

The wealthy and sophisticated island of Bermuda has achieved great success in tourism and specialized insurance in recent decades. But even Bermuda is going to feel the global recession. An instinctive reaction to recession is a retreat by others into defensive shells, caution and even a hankering for protectionism.

I know that at this time Bermuda will want to articulate to her UK audience the considerable value which the Island adds to the world’s financial system in its chosen specialized areas of finance, and to promote tourism and to speak up on the strength of the regulatory framework. An active office in London under dynamic leadership, promoting both business and tourism, will be a big advantage.

Premier Brown also commented on the significance of the office opening:

This office represents the mechanism we need to further develop our relationships with public officials in the United Kingdom. We are now on equal footing with other Overseas Territories who have consistently proven that a physical presence in London provides a benefit to the people they serve. From here forward Bermuda is better prepared to connect with the appropriate people in the United Kingdom on whatever issues may occur.

This office will help us protect and advance our tourism and international business relationship with the United Kingdom and has received widespread acclaim. We look forward to this office being a productive and useful advocate for Bermuda's interests.