The change of leadership in the United Kingdom, which is expected next month, will not affect the diplomatic relationship between Jamaica and the U.K. This assurance was given to Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller on Thursday by Britain's Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, who paid a courtesy call on her at Jamaica House.

Mr. Prescott, who is in the island for a number of engagements, said the U.K. remains committed to the same special relationship it has always enjoyed with Jamaica.

In her remarks, Mrs. Simpson Miller expressed appreciation to the British government for its assistance with a number of development projects through the Department for International Development, as well as the support provided in the area of national security and border control.

She raised concern about the number of Jamaicans who were being deported to the island and said that the U.K. government could assist with a programme of rehabilitation to help them reintegrate into the society.

Mrs. Simpson Miller and Mr. Prescott also discussed issues relating to education and explored ways in which both countries could collaborate in this area.

Burchell Whiteman, Jamaica's High Commissioner to London, and Jeremy Cresswell, Britain's High Commissioner to Jamaica, were present at the courtesy call.