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The United Kingdom and its overseas territories: No longer a ‘benevolent patron’?

Clegg, Peter

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Peter Clegg Peter.Clegg@uwe.ac.uk
Dean and Head of School of Social Sciences



Abstract

Over recent decades, the relationship between the United Kingdom (UK) and its Overseas Territories (OTs) has been a generally strong one, with political and economic safeguards in place, bolstered by increasing levels of support from the European Union (EU). Of course there have been strains and tensions in relations, but significant advantages have accrued to the territories. This article takes as its starting-point several key observations made previously by experts in the field and uses them to analyse the condition of relations between the UK and its territories within the context of recent events. In particular, the claim by Godfrey Baldacchino that non-sovereign territories benefit from the support of a “benevolent mainland patron” is considered. Based on a review of recent statements, newspaper articles and policy documents, this article argues that the UK’s benevolence to its OTs has been placed under serious pressure by three recent and unrelated events: the UK’s decision to leave the EU; its sub-optimal response to the damage caused in several territories by Hurricane Irma; and the resolve of the UK Parliament to impose stricter controls on the OTs’ offshore financial sectors.

Citation

Clegg, P. (2018). The United Kingdom and its overseas territories: No longer a ‘benevolent patron’?. Small States & Territories, 1(2), 149-168

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Oct 15, 2018
Online Publication Date Nov 2, 2018
Publication Date Nov 2, 2018
Deposit Date Nov 7, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Small States & Territories
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 1
Issue 2
Pages 149-168
Keywords autonomy, Brexit, development, economic security, hurricane reconstruction, offshore finance, United Kingdom Overseas Territories
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/857375
Publisher URL https://www.um.edu.mt/sst/sst12nov2018

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