British overseas territories in talks to keep tax haven secrecy

UK plan to impose public registers of share ownership sparked protests and calls for constitutional separation

Leaders of British overseas territories are to hold two days of showdown talks with ministers in an attempt to reverse the UK government’s decision to end secrecy for offshore tax havens.

An unexpected vote by MPs at the beginning of May to impose public registers of share ownership in all the BOTs has triggered angry resistance including street protests, boycotts of the Queen’s birthday celebrations, and even demands for constitutional separation.