UK Parliament: Self-Determination Of States
“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,” Minister of State Nigel Adams said.
His reply came during a recent session in British Parliament after Labour/Co-operative MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle asked 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.”
In response, Minister of State Nigel Adams said, “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.”
The full reply to the original Question 128714 cited above, is as below
The UK’s relationship with its inhabited Overseas Territories is a modern one based on partnership, shared values and the right of the people of each Territory to choose to remain British.
Where the people of an inhabited Territory choose to remain British, we will maintain and deepen our special relationship with them. The UK and the Territories recognise that our relationship brings mutual benefits and responsibilities. The UK Government’s responsibility is to ensure the security and good governance of the Territories and their peoples.
The UK Government expect Overseas Territory governments to meet high standards in maintaining the rule of law, respect for human rights and integrity in public life, delivering efficient public services and building strong and successful communities.
The UK and inhabited Overseas Territory governments remain in agreement that the Territories are internally self-governing and that the UK Government should retain responsibility for the powers necessary to uphold its constitutional obligations in the Territories.
The UK and its Overseas Territory governments hold an annual Joint Ministerial Council to monitor and drive forward collective priorities for action in the spirit of partnership.
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