A £70 million package of recovery and reconstruction support for British islands in the Caribbean hit by devastating hurricanes will be confirmed today.
This new support being announced by prime minister Theresa May adds to efforts to help the region recover and rebuild in the wake of hurricanes Irma and Maria, which affected more than two million people.
It will be supplemented by up to £300 million of UK loan guarantees, for territories that need support to access finance.
The government as already committed £92 million to the region-wide relief effort to date.
The extra funding comes as leaders from 11 British Overseas Territories will meet in Downing Street for an annual joint ministerial council meeting.
Leaders of Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, the worst impacted British territories, will be among those attending.
Maym said: “This set of meetings is not only a chance to work together on our shared priorities, but also to hear directly from those territories who suffered from Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
“This new £70 million package of support demonstrates the UK’s ongoing commitment to help its overseas territories as they get on with the difficult work of recovery.”
Leaders from the Caribbean islands will also be invited to express their views to ensure they are properly reflected in the government’s strategy for Brexit negotiations.