FOTBOT launches Parliamentary Declaration to Reaffirm Self-Determination of the British Overseas Territories
Friends of the British Overseas Territories (FOTBOT) today launches a Parliamentary Declaration inviting Members of the House of Commons and Members of the House of Lords to affirm their support for the principle of self-determination across all fourteen British Overseas Territories.
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18th February 2026
Parliamentary Declaration Launched to Reaffirm Self-Determination of the British Overseas Territories
Friends of the British Overseas Territories (FOTBOT) today launches a Parliamentary Declaration inviting Members of the House of Commons and Members of the House of Lords to affirm their support for the principle of self-determination across all fourteen British Overseas Territories.
The Declaration sets out a clear constitutional position: that the people of each Overseas Territory alone have the inalienable right to determine their political future, and that no change to sovereignty or constitutional status should take place without their freely expressed democratic consent.
It further recognises the United Kingdom’s responsibilities to uphold justice, good governance and the rule of law in the Territories, to support their environmental stewardship and climate resilience, and to ensure that their economic security and international standing are protected through proper consultation and partnership.
The Declaration is open to all MPs and Peers. Parliamentarians may sign by emailing declaration@fotbot.org from their official parliamentary email address. Signatories will be listed publicly at fotbot.org/declaration.
James Lunn, Chief Executive of Friends of the British Overseas Territories, said:
“This Declaration is about reaffirming a fundamental constitutional principle: that the future of the British Overseas Territories belongs only to their people. Self-determination is not a slogan, it is the foundation of the modern relationship between the United Kingdom and the Territories. Nothing about them should be decided without them.
We are inviting parliamentarians from all parties and none to stand behind that principle. The Overseas Territories are home to British citizens who deserve clarity, respect and constitutional certainty. This Declaration provides a simple opportunity for Parliament to affirm that commitment.”
The principle of “nothing about you without you” applies equally to all fourteen British Overseas Territories and their people. The Declaration is not directed at any single Territory or discrete issue. It articulates an overarching constitutional principle: that democratic consent must remain the central and governing consideration in all decisions affecting sovereignty, governance and international representation.
Friends of the British Overseas Territories is a non-partisan charity dedicated to promoting, supporting, and increasing awareness of the UK Overseas Territories.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
The full text of the Declaration is available at fotbot.org/declaration
Parliamentarians may sign by emailing declaration@fotbot.org with a parliamentary email.
Friends of the British Overseas Territories is a cross-party organisation supporting engagement with all fourteen British Overseas Territories.
Media enquiries:
enquiries@fotbot.org
Friends of the British Overseas Territories, Registered Charity No 1156763
Friends of the British Overseas Territories is an independent and politically neutral charity. We do not support or endorse any political party or candidate. Only authorised spokespersons may make statements on behalf of the charity, via the charity’s official communications channels. All views otherwise expressed by members or officers should be considered their own.
A Charitable Incorporated Organisation, Registered in England and Wales Email: enquiries@fotbot.org
You can write to us at: Friends of the British Overseas Territories, Po Box 2635, Ilford, IG1 8UA
Promoting, Supporting and Increasing Awareness of the UK Overseas Territories
