The charity has already pulled the plug on British Girlguiding Overseas, which operated in 36 countries. It will decide by the end of the year on its future relationships with British territories such as Bermuda, the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar.
House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle says he is “determined to stand up for the overseas territories” and does not want them “suddenly cut off” from Girlguiding UK.
He told the Gibraltar Chronicle: “I really am worried.”
The Speaker has written to Girlguiding UK’s regional chief commissioners with suggestions for how to maintain bonds between the UK movement and the territories.
However, senior figures at the charity have sent a strongly worded letter to the Speaker, warning that its trustees “should not be subject to political interference”.
They state: “We assume you do not seek to interfere with Girlguiding’s decision-making processes, but we should advise you that increasingly this is how your input is received.”
But a source said: “His main concern is that young people in the UK Overseas Territories will lose out on a major part of their growing up if Girlguiding is withdrawn. Girlguiding brings people together, promotes teamwork and leadership – and losing it will take away a vital link between the UK family.”
Claire Montado, commissioner of Girlguiding Gibraltar, told the Sunday Express that it “is culturally important for us to remain part of Girlguiding UK”.
She said: “ The Overseas Territories are part of the British family and should be treated as such.”
The charity said in a statement: “In April 2023 Girlguiding made the difficult decision to close British Girlguiding Overseas.
The decision was made based on the organisation’s future ability to run an overseas operation in 36 countries and territories, each with separate laws and regulations… British Overseas Territories have had different options available to them because of the way guiding associations in those areas are run.
“A decision will be made about potential future options for Girlguiding in British Overseas Territories by the end of the year.”
