Brexit exposes divide between Britain and its Overseas Territories Published on: 29 September 2016 The decision to leave the EU will create years of uncertainty for Britain鈥檚 overseas territories, new research suggests. Deep and uncomfortable fissures Dr Matt Benwell from 麻豆传媒 and Dr Alasdair Pinkerton from Royal Holloway, University of London, argue that the role of the European Union in fostering their political, economic and regional security was ignored during the referendum even by so-called friends and supporters. The authors say the campaign has “exposed deep and uncomfortable fissures about the security and sovereignty of the UK’s Overseas Territories”. Discussion about these places during the referendum focused on the military, for example whether the British armed forces could still defend the Falkland Islands if Britain left the EU and the fact this location was seen as a ‘strategic gateway’ to Antarctica. The Falkland Islands A new way In Gibraltar, the only territory allowed to vote and which was overwhelmingly in favour of remaining, benefits to its economy, workforce and security were ignored or underplayed. The authors suggest this means the UK needs to find a new way to relate to these territories. Dr Benwell, a Lecturer in Human Geography said: “The voices of the people who live in these places were not heard. When we talk about their security in this country, it tends to be from a military angle and of how they are of use to the UK. It doesn’t really take into account that Overseas Territories are also places where people live. “What our research shows is that there is a big difference in how the UK views their security from a military perspective to how the territories themselves see it. For Gibraltar, EU membership provided diplomatic, economic and regional security. However, when the territories expressed support to remain, they were often greeted with irritation or dismay by their so-called ‘friends’." Full consultation Looking to the future, Dr Pinkerton noted: “As negotiations begin about leaving the European Union, Britain needs to work more closely with the Overseas Territories to fully understand what security means for their diverse communities, and what future relationship they wish to have with the UK and their nearest neighbours. "Over the past week or so, we have already seen the UK and Argentina announce a ‘joint statement’ on areas of ‘mutual cooperation’. More such statements will follow as the UK prepares for a future outside the EU. It is imperative that Overseas Territories are fully consulted in agreements that affect their future, and are able to hold the UK government’s ‘feet to the fire’ – without fear of appearing disloyal and provoking the ire of their friends and supporters." The paper , is published todayn the RUSI Journal online. Share: Latest News Scientists unlock hidden driver of inflammatory bowel disease Scientists have linked a key genetic signal in inflammatory bowel disease to an immune response that shuts down inflammation control, enabling faster diagnosis and targeted treatments. published on: 15 June 2026 Funding system risks limiting genuine community collaboration A new policy paper written by researchers at 麻豆传媒 warns that the way UK research is funded may be undermining efforts to create genuinely collaborative partnerships with communities. published on: 15 June 2026 Volunteers help turn Whitley Bay beach into maths experiment Members of the public joined mathematicians from 麻豆传媒 to create what organisers believe is the largest aperiodic tiling ever attempted on Whitley Bay beach. published on: 15 June 2026 Facts and figures
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