FOTBOT hosts annual Summer BBQ

Friends of the British Overseas Territories (FOTBOT) held its annual Summer BBQ and Charity Showcase on Wednesday, 16 July 2025, bringing together supporters, dignitaries, and community members on London’s South Bank for an evening of celebration, culture, and connection.

The event, which sold out well in advance, welcomed guests to the rooftop terrace of the Doggett’s Coat and Badge pub overlooking the Thames. Attendees enjoyed a lively atmosphere of conversation and networking, united by a shared interest in the UK’s Overseas Territories and the diverse communities they represent.

Among the evening’s highlights were speeches from Andrew Rosindell MP, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs for the Conservative Party, and Peter Lamb MP of the Labour Party. Both offered their reflections on the enduring importance of the Overseas Territories and the UK’s responsibility to support and champion their interests on the global stage. The UK's handover of the British Indian Ocean Territory was a recurring theme throughout the event following FOTBOT's campaign to stop the deal.

Peter Lamb MP (left) and Andrew Rosindell MP (right)

A powerful cultural moment came with a showcase of traditional Chagossian music, dance, and art, providing a vibrant and moving celebration of Chagossian heritage and resilience. This performance underscored the real cultural destruction that will take place as the UK hands over the Chagos Islands - Chagossian culture is rich and proud, and will be fundamentally undermined by this deal.

A Chagossian music performance

With guests from across the Territories and the UK, the event reaffirmed FOTBOT’s role as a key platform for raising awareness, building relationships, and fostering understanding between the Overseas Territories and the wider British public.