The Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM) has launched a petition calling on the government to cancel the proposed purchase of multi-million dollar property in London.
It comes after Premier Cora Richardson Hodge announced that the administration has set aside US$5–6 million for Anguilla’s first permanent office in the United Kingdom.
The change.org petition, which has gathered 45 signatures to date, states that the purchase would “commit the country to significant upfront costs and ongoing expenses for years to come”.
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It adds that the “major financial undertaking” has not yet been publicly debated in the Anguilla House of Assembly and full details have not been disclosed to the public.
“At a time when resources are limited and many urgent needs exist at home, such a purchase raises serious concerns about fiscal responsibility, transparency and priorities,” the petition says.
“Other territories successfully maintain UK offices through rental arrangements without placing a large capital burden on their citizens.”
The petition ends by calling on the government to cancel the proposed purchase and pursue more affordable, transparent and accountable alternatives “that protect the nation’s financial future”.
Anguilla House
Richardson Hodge first announced the initiative at a press conference on 22 December 2025, saying she was “very excited to bring this to the public’s attention”.
The premier said past governments as well as many Anguillians overseas had complained for several years about the lack of presence in the UK.
She explained that a government underspend in 2025 has allowed public funds to be allocated to acquire property in London and said the Executive Council gave approval on 16 December 2025.
Speaking during a government press conference on 26 January, the premier said its intended use is as a “hub” to house Anguilla’s UK-based representative Blondel Cluff.
It will also accommodate future destination marketing staff and visiting officials, and serve as a point of contact for Anguillians relocating or visiting for education or medical reasons, she said.
“What that presence means is that we have the ability to have continued engagement with the United Kingdom,” the premier said.
Opposition member Merrick Richardson went on to raise detailed parliamentary questions on the matter at the 10 February meeting of the Anguilla House of Assembly.
APM objections
Also on 26 January, the APM posted on Facebook, raising concerns about the proposed London office and the use of public funds.
The posts highlighted concerns that the money could be better spent elsewhere, and asked whether the office primarily benefits a single high-earning official.
The APM also suggested that the decision could warrant a referendum, particularly in light of future emergencies such as hurricanes.
The opposition party has since reinforced their position, adding that the funds could have been spent on public worker pay increases or Island Harbour community facilities.
Other areas it suggests are priority over the UK office are renewing local government offices, a local track and field facility, primary school facilities and investment in the hospital.
The APM also posted photographs online of members Merrick Richardson and Haydn Hughes wearing ‘No London government house’ t-shirts in protest.
The petition can been seen in full here.
