UK and Overseas Territories: "perhaps a review of relations is appropriate"

UK and Overseas Territories: “perhaps a review of relations is appropriate”

Saturday, October 27th 2018 - 09:29 UTC

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For years there was consensus between the major UK political parties about the Overseas Territories, but that has now changed and the OTs now face a “more hostile and less supportive UK political class,” Dr Peter Clegg said, adding that perhaps a review of relations is appropriate, one which would “offer the Territories more autonomy, address the UN’s decolonization agenda, and give the Territories a stronger foreign policy voice.” Read full article

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gordo1
Each Overseas Territory has its own history and these vary considerable. For example, Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands. Both these territories are threatened by two alien countries which fail to recognise the legitimate sovereignty of the United Kingdom.

However, it seems to me that in order for Spain to achieve its aims legitimately then the Treaty of Utrecht, insofar as the cession of El Peñon is concerned, would have to be renegotiated UNLESS the UK is 'persuaded” to cede the territory to Spain! And this will never happen - especially as the inhabitants of Gibraltar are totally against any voluntary cession. Britain has defended Gibraltar against Spain several times since 1704 - the siege of 1779/1883 being particularly bitter. The border was closed in 1959 for 15 years.

The Falklands Islands are British but are claimed by Argentina. There is absolutely no merit to the claims made by Argentina, and the UK rightly rejects these claims. If Argentina were to take its claim to the International Court of Justice it would be laughed out of court as none of its support for sovereignty is genuine.

As far as other Overseas Territories most of them are in the western hemisphere and depend on tourism for their wellbeing - these should be offered independence.
Oct 28th, 2018 - 12:27 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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