The United Kingdom has affirmed its commitment to respecting and defending the right of its Overseas Territories' populations to determine their own future. This statement was made by Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN's Special Political and Decolonisation Fourth Committee on 13 October 2026.
The UK's relationship with its Overseas Territories is described as a modern partnership based on shared values and the right of each Territory to choose whether to remain British. The Territories are self-governing, with the UK retaining powers to fulfil international law obligations.
Regarding Gibraltar, the UK stated that its people have the right to self-determination, in line with the UN Charter. The UK will not agree to arrangements where Gibraltar's people would pass under another state's sovereignty against their wishes, nor will it enter sovereignty negotiations without Gibraltar's consent. A new agreement between the UK and the European Union concerning Gibraltar was signed on 14 July 2026 in Brussels. This agreement, which involved the Government of Gibraltar, does not alter the UK's and Spain's legal positions on sovereignty and jurisdiction.
For the Falkland Islands, the UK expressed no doubt about its sovereignty over the islands and surrounding maritime areas, or about the Falkland Islanders' right of self-determination. The UK highlighted the 2013 referendum, where 99.8 per cent of voters chose to remain a British Overseas Territory. The UK views Argentina's arbitration attempt under UNCLOS as an effort to undermine the rights of the Falkland Islanders.
Concerning the British Virgin Islands, the UK reiterated its long-standing position to assist the Territory in achieving independence if it is the clear and constitutionally expressed will of its people. The UK is currently holding constructive talks on constitutional reform with the British Virgin Islands Government.