Written question asked by Lloyd Russell-Moyle (Labour) on Thursday, 4 February 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 9 February 2021 (named day). It was answered by Nigel Adams (Conservative) on Tuesday, 9 February 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

British Overseas Territories: Self-determination of States

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 16 December 2020 to Question 128714 on Self-determination of States, whether the right to choose includes remaining British, incorporating with another state and choosing independence.

Answer: The UK Government supports the option of Overseas Territories retaining their link with the UK, as well as considering other arrangements consistent with the principle of self-determination, subject to the specific circumstance of each territory. The UK Government's long-standing position is that where independence is an option for an Overseas Territory and it is the clear and constitutionally expressed wish of the people to pursue independence, the UK Government will meet its obligations to help the Territory to achieve it.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 149316
Session: 2019-21
Related items: Self-determination of States
Wednesday, 16 December 2020
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: British overseas territories Self-determination of states Colonialism
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk