Overseas Territories of Great Britain. Overseas territories threaten the UK to find independence

23.09.2019

The United British Kingdom is a state Western EuropeLocated on British islands. It is separated from big mainland Straits of La Mans and Pa de Calais. However, it includes not only the well-known parts of it - Scotland, Wales, England and under the sovereignty of this country are still three lands, as well as 14 overseas territories. What are these lands?

Management of overseas territories

Overseas British territories can be divided into two large categories. First, it is three lands that are not part of the United Kingdom ("Coronal Lands"). Secondly, these are 14 territories officially managed by the Queen of Great Britain (now it is Elizabeth II). In each of these regions, the queen prescribes its own representatives to implement the executive.

The name "British Oil Territories" became generally accepted only in 2002. Up to the same way, the definition of "British dependent land" was used everywhere. Even before, they were called the colonies. Usually they are managed by the governor - an English officer who is retired. In rare cases, a civil servant is appointed to this post. In fact, the governor carries out the management of the territory entrusted to him.

In addition to these 14 possessions, there are other British overseas territories. The list includes the so-called corona lands. This is Guernsey, Jersey and Man Island. As indicated, they are not part of the UK, although they are under its sovereignty.

Islands Jersey and Guernsey

Jersey Island is located in the southern part 160 km from the English coast. The population of the island is 87 thousand people. The size of the island is 14 km long and 8 km in width. Almost any point of the island you can see picturesque landscapes Atlantic Ocean. Jersey is divided at 12 administrative districts. The capital of Jersey is Saint Heller.

Guernsey ranks second largest among the Norman Islands. It is at a distance of 130 km from England. The capital of the island is the city of Saint Peter. Here for the 16 years lived in the exile of the famous French classic Viktor Hugo. The main source of income for the islanders is still fishing. And also on the island of Guernsey to this day, medieval buildings have been preserved. The Square of the island of Guernsey is 78 square meters. km. The population of the island is just 62,711 people.

Isle Of Man

Maine Island is geographically located in it almost equally removed from both England and from other lands - Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales. Its area is 570 square meters. km, and the population is about 76 thousand people. Almost a third of this number lives on the territory of the capital of Maine Island - in the city of Douglas. Round year Hence the ferry to Liverpool, as well as the island is associated with the UK regular air flights. Interestingly, the symbol of the island is a heraldic mark called Trisselion. It depicts three running legs bent in her knee. Trisselion for a long time was a symbol of Sicily.

British Overseas Territories, actually located on the lands of Cyprus Island, is Akrotiri and Decoleia. They are British military bases with a total area of \u200b\u200b254 square meters. km. The population is represented by British military and their families, so Akrotiri and Decoleia are very densely populated - 14.5 thousand people live here. In these areas, Great Britain remains full sovereignty.

English coral island

The British Overseas Territories also includes a small coral island in the Caribbean - Anguilla. Its area is a little more than 100 square meters. km. The population is about 15 thousand people. All of them are descendants of Creoles, who were delivered here for slave work - collecting sugar cane. However, the colonialists did not take into account that practically no plants be on coral soils, except coconut palm trees. Therefore, very soon they have lost interest in this islet. The word "Anguilla" means "eel". In fact, angyl fishermen is rarely getting out of the water of acne. Much more often they produce large lobsters, whose weight can reach 700 grams. A large number of tourists are constantly coming here who are interested in the most picturesque British Overseas Territories. Visa to the island of Anguilla is mandatory. To visit the island, it is enough to issue a British multivitz.

Bermuda

The next territory included in British Overseas Territories is the islands of Bermuda. Bermuda is located in the northern part of the Atlantic, not far from the American state of North Carolina. The capital of the islands is Hamilton. In the overseas British territories in a British visa, get quite real. Therefore, like Anguilla, Bermuda is popular with holidaymakers. The general territory is about 54 square meters. km. About 64.8 thousand people live here.

English possessions in Antarctica

Interestingly, British Overseas Territories is also part of the land of Antarctica. Officially, this region is called "British Antarctic Territory". The total area of \u200b\u200bthese lands is 660 thousand people, and the population is represented by three hundred scientists. It was created in 1962, and its composition includes Southern Islands Windows, Antarctic Peninsula with all surrounding territories, the land of the coat, as well as the South Shetland Islands.

Islands of the Indian Ocean and Virgin Islands

British overseas territories in the Indian Ocean were formed without the consent of the UN. They include 55 islands located south of the Maldives. The management of them claims such countries as Mauritius and Seychelles.

Many islands are included in the overseas Territories of Great Britain. The list can be continued by the British Virgin Islands. They are located in the northeastern part CaribbeanAnd in their territory included 60 islands. Now there are some of the most exclusive resorts, and before these lands were pirated libraries. Main city Virgin Islands is a genus. Here is an old fortress, which was rebuilt into prison.

Gibraltar - Strategic Point

Another overseas territory of Britain is Gibraltar. It is the NATO base. It is believed that the Gibraltar Peninsula received its name from the distorted Arabic expression "Jebel al-Tarik", which means "Mount Tarika". This name is the island received another 4th century. BC e. Local residents Call it "rock". One of the most famous sights of Gibraltar is the fort 18th century, which has always been considered impregnable. Many defensive structures were built within the gibraltar rock. It is believed that a tangled underground labyrinth is considered towards Mecca, from where views of the Catalan bay. During World War II, there were even more than 40 km deep tunnels.

Falkland Islands

Falkland Islands Also considered the overseas lands of Great Britain. The area of \u200b\u200btheir territory is 12,173 square meters. km, and the population is just about 3 thousand people. However, their disputes still go about their belonging. Islands are an archipelago in the south of the Atlantic. They are also an essential transshipment point from the Atlantic in the Pacific Ocean. Argentina pretends to hold the Falkland Islands, arguing this by the fact that the islands are part of the fiery land. However, the generally accepted language here is English, which is native for the overwhelming part of the islanders.

Saint Helena Island

Saint Helena island located in the Atlantic. In fact, this state includes a whole such as an impregnable, plantNelgel and others. Saint Helena Island himself is 2 thousand kilometers to the west of the African coast. There is no airport on the island - only passenger flights are performed 22 times a year. The population is about 4.5 thousand people. The area of \u200b\u200bit is 122 square meters. km. Island is completely isolated from other territories, which contributed to the development of unique natural conditions. For example, about two hundred rare plant species grows here.

Other territories

Cayman Islands are a small archipelago in the Caribbean Sea. They are located 740 km from Cuba. The total area of \u200b\u200bthe islands is about 260 square meters. km. They were open at the time of the navigator Columbus and were then named with "turtle."

Montserrat - the territory that enters Antille Islands. Under the Office of Great Britain there is 102 square meters. km. Pitcairn is the English overseas territory that is in Pacific Ocean. Also on the list of overseas territories includes terks and kaikos, as well as South Georgia. Tourists should remember that the United Kingdom, the Overseas Territories and the countries of the Commonwealth of Great Britain and Northern Ireland require visa to visitors. To get it, you need to file required documents in

Among the British overseas territories are 14 territories under the jurisdiction and sovereignty of the United Kingdom. These parts of the British Empire did not receive independence or voted to remain British territories, and British Monarch (Elizabeth II) to have as the head of state. These territories are not part of the United Kingdom (with the exception of Gibraltar), and are not part of the European Union. The population of the territories is internally self-governing, and the United Kingdom takes responsibility for the defense and external relations of these territories. Most of the British Overseas Territories are uninhabited lands, or have a temporary population (military or scientific personnel).

The term "British Overseas Territory" was introduced in 2002, replacing the term "British Dependent Territory" (British law on citizenship). Until January 1, 1983, the territories were officially referred to as British crown colonies. With the exception of the British Antarctic Territory, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (in which only officials and staff of research stations) and the British Territory in the Indian Ocean (which is used as military base).

Despite the fact that British overseas territories are under the jurisdiction and sovereignty of the United Kingdom, they are not part of the United Kingdom. The citizenship of the UK overseas Territories differs from British citizenship and does not provide the rights to accommodate in the United Kingdom (with the exception of Gibralists).

All citizens of British overseas territories (besides those related exclusively with sovereign basic territories of Cyprus) received British citizenship on May 21, 2002 and, therefore, have the right to accommodate in the UK. They can use this complete right of accommodation, if you enter the UK with a passport of a UK citizen or with a Botc passport, having received a certificate of right to accommodation. A citizen of the British Overseas Territories, traveling to the UK on the Botc Passport without a certificate of the right to accommodate, is subject to immigration control.

According to the 2001 census, 27,306 people born in 14 British overseas territories live in the UK (in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).

In the aggregate British Overseas Territories cover the population of about 250,000 people and land of 1,727,570 square kilometers. The overwhelming part of this land area is a practically uninhabited Antarctic territory of Britain, and the most large territory The population is Bermuda (almost a quarter of the total population of British overseas territories).

At the other end of the scale, three territories that do not have civilians:

Antarctic territories
British territories in the Indian Ocean (Chagos Islanders were evicted for violence)
South Georgia

Pitcairn islands populated by the remaining Bounty's live rebels (this is the smallest settled territory, only 49 inhabitants). And the smallest territory is the territory - Gibraltar -.

The United Kingdom participates in the Antarctic Treaty System. As part of this agreement, the British Antarctic Territory recognizes four of the six other sovereign states applying for the Antarctic territory.

Although Krona, Jersey, Guernsey and Islands Maine are also under the sovereignty of the British monarch, they are in different constitutional relations with the United Kingdom. British overseas territories and hereditary dependence themselves differ from the Commonwealth of Nations: a group of 15 independent countries, each of which has Elizabeth II as its ruling monarch, and the Commonwealth of Nations - voluntary association of 52 countries, mainly historically related to the British Empire.

Right holder illustration Getty Images Image Caption. British flag over Falkland Islands

Publication of documents of the Panaman Law Company Mossack Fonseca once again raised the question of the special tax status of British corona possessions and overseas territories. What are their relations with the metropolis, and how much does London have power over them?

What it is

Right holder illustration Hulton Archive. Image Caption. In 1897, the sun over Britain really did not come ...

"British Overseas Territories," Document began with such words, is the British possessions spread around the world, which are actually fragments of the time when Britain is really "rules by sea." One of the high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Affairs of the British Commonwealth very clearly described them As the "remnants of the empire" created by the UK when the phrase "the British Empire never enters the sun" was uttered without a hint of Irony. "

However, fragments are fragments. And if the overseas territories are indeed the aftertaste of colonial times, the corona possessions have never been the colonies.

Coronal possessions (they are corona lands)

Right holder illustration iStock. Image Caption. On the island of Jersey is not so tall, as it may seem ...

They are not so much: Beeiliviki (that is, by Baylyifah) Islands Jersey and Guernsey and Island of Man.

The beginning of the bonds of corona possessions with the main part of Britain is lost in the historical fog. Suffice it to say that both Beelivika were part of the Duchy of Norman, and their inhabitants helped Wilhelm to conquer England in 1066.

Located in the Irish Sea, approximately at the same distance from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales Island Man became part of the English crown in the middle of the XIV century - after the next victory of the British over the Scots in the battle of Nevilles-Cross.

It boasts one of the oldest parliaments of the world, which was founded even at a time when the Norwegians hosted on the island, in 979. It is called completely Scandinavian: Tinwald.

A special document of the British Ministry of Justice emphasizes that corona lands are not part of the United Kingdom.

Right holder illustration iStock. Image Caption. ... just like on the island of Maine. And very, very beautiful ...

They have their own legislative and administrative bodies, fiscal and legal systems and courts.

"The relations of these islands with the United Kingdom," the Ministry of Justice emphasizes, is carried out through the monarch, and is not recorded in the Constitution. It is the ruling monarch through the Secret Council that the main responsibility is responsible for being governed by properly. "

It would seem, Beiliviki and the island of Man with their Tinwald can enjoy complete autonomy, write and take their laws, establish their taxes and produce their money, at the same time not spending money on defense, since this function, as well as foreign policy, is carried out by the Government of Britain .

And it is almost true, although there is one small "but".

Coercion to tax transparency

Right holder illustration Getty Images Image Caption. Let you not be confused by a modest building of Natwest Bank for Guernsey: Finance there is no worse than in City

If you call things with your own names, then the special tax status of the crown possession of Westminster, rather, in hand.

Still, it is convenient to have a whole three "tax paradise" directly at their own side. Moreover, in extreme cases, it can always be said that, they say, since we cannot influence their internal legislation, I can't do anything.

But here not everything is so obvious. According to one of the leading Specialists of Britain on tax legislation Richard Murphy, the output is possible.

"We are responsible for their foreign policy. And since any offshore activity by definition is the activity of foreign policy, we can easily make them obey our decision regarding legislative base of this "Tax Paradise". Therefore, we ourselves can adopt the laws that, with the consent of the Secret Council, in fact, the staming solution to the ruling cabinet can be mandatory for execution. "

Murphy proposes to do the following:

All financial documents of companies become available to the public.
Banks are required to establish real benefits of all companies with which they are doing.
The identity of the directors of offshore companies must necessarily be in public access.

However, it should be emphasized that Richard Murphy is a leading adviser on the economy and taxation of the largest British trade union TUC. Lawyers serving a big business do not share this point of view. Theoretically dispute can reach the Supreme Court.

Their role in the Panamsk scandal

Right holder illustration iStock. Image Caption. On the island of Maine, they argue that criminals, including financial, are not happy at all

In the "Panaman documents" Jersey is mentioned 39 times, Man Island - eight, Guernsey is not mentioned at all, the United Kingdom as a whole - 148 times.

The authorities of all three corona possessions have already expressed their reputation.

On the island of Maine, they said that there is nothing to do with criminals, and nobody is happy with them, on Jersey and Guernsey - that they operate in full compliance with international financial rules and laws.

In 2012, one of Jersey ministers even threatened London with his complete independence, if the rules put on Westminster and Brussels will interfere with the financial prosperity of the island.

Overseas Territories

Right holder illustration gov.uk. Image Caption. British Forin office reports that penguins live in the British Antarctic Territory. Lot...

The main thing that distinguishes all the overseas territories is that in the past almost all of them were colonies, and that constitutionally they are not part of the United Kingdom.

However, in each of them, the Queen of Elizabeth II personally appoints the governor (in fact, it, of course, chooses the government, but the queen must formally approve it).

This applies only to the inhabited overseas territories, on uninhabited government of Her Majesty appoints the Commissioner, who is an employee of the Forin office. All overseas territories unites what they recognize the supreme power of the United Kingdom, the Queen is considered the head of state, and their citizens have British citizenship.

The population of overseas territories according to different estimates is from 200 to 250 thousand people. In the official brochure of the British Foreign Ministry, it is consistently reported that at the British Antarctic Territory, about 20 million Penguins couple constantly live in the British Antarctic Territory.

At the same time, throughout the rest, these former British colonies are a very heterogeneous company.

Who is much

Right holder illustration Getty Images Image Caption. British military base in Cyprus is also an overseas territory

Larger overseas territories, such as Cayman Islands or British Virgin Islands elect their own legislative bodies and head of government. Britain appoints the governor, who has only limited right to interfere with their internal affairs.

Gibraltar elects his own independent parliament, and the British governor in internal affairs does not interfere in general.

Bermuda is managed by themselves and are practically completely independent, with the exception of issues of foreign policy and defense.

Falkland elects the Legislative Council, but the head of the government is the governor assigned to the queen.

Well, two British military bases Akrotiri and Decoleia on the island of Cyprus are also the overseas territories and are managed by the commander of British military forces in Cyprus. At the same time, the Cypriots living around the bases are subject to Cypriot, and not British laws.

Without illusions

Right holder illustration AFP. Image Caption. London introduced a direct board on Terks and Caicos in 2009

In the same secret document of the Forin office, which fell into the hands of WikiLeaks, it clearly states that Westminster does not feed on special illusions about the part of its overseas territories.

"The Forin office highlights several problems facing the overseas territories. Many of them are typical for small island economies. These economies are distinguished by instability due to the dependence on one, maximum of two sectors: tourism and international finance. Some overseas territories, especially those that Located in Caribbean, become victims of narcotraphics and related crimes. In some cases, the lack of a developed civil society, a strong legislative base and / or free press leads to almost complete impunity of executive bodies. "

In 2009, London introduced a direct board on the Islands of Terks and Caicos after the formal investigation revealed the corruption and incompetence of the local government.

Among other things, local politicians were converted on sale of government lands for personal enrichment.

In the investigation by the Commission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was said that there was evidence of "political amorality and general administrative incompetence."

The authorities of the local administration was returned only in 2012 after the change of the Constitution.

So why not introduce a direct rule?

Right holder illustration Getty Images Image Caption. British Virgin Islands - popular place Recreation for tourists and work for international companies

The leader of the Opposition Labor Party, Jeremy Corbin offered exactly what it is done.

This proposal may seem reasonable to a plain simple man, but lawyers already cause headaches.

As one of the leading government counselors on the Taxation of Graham Aronson said in an interview with the Government of Graham Aronson, this idea causes more questions than answers.

"This is a constitutional question, and according to the Constitution, everything is possible because they are dependent on Britain territories. But if you enter a direct rule, then what exactly will it be expressed? New tax legislation in existing jurisdiction, or more global changes? In any case, this The procedure will take years, and years, and years. "

Their role in the Panamsk scandal

The British Virgin Islands are mentioned in the "Panaman documents" more than 113 thousand times, and Anguilla - more than three thousand times.

On the Virgin IslandsFor example, more than 452 thousand international companies are registered. More only in Hong Kong.

Where does London look?

Right holder illustration AFP. Image Caption. Published "Panaman Documents" - only the top of the iceberg

For the sake of fairness it should be noted that London does not sit back.

In 2013, David Cameron sent an official letter to 10 British overseas territories and corona lands, calling them to "bring order in his house."

They agreed to sign a multilateral convention on mutual assistance on tax issues, which was initiated by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Downing Street requires from its overseas territories and corona lands:

automatic sharing of tax information
general standards in financial statements for multinational companies,
the general register of people who own these companies.

The British government claims that they all managed to fulfill the first and second requirements, and now must fulfill the third.

In addition, according to some information, the government is close to the conclusion of a new full-scale financial agreement with Guernsey and Maine Island.

There is hope that the introduction of direct rule does not need.

British Overseas Territories (Eng. British Overseas Territories) - Fourteen Territories under the sovereignty of the UK, but not part of it.

The name "British Overseas Territories" was introduced in 2002 by the Law on British Overseas Territories and replaced the term "British dependent territories"(Eng. British-Dependent Territories), held in the 1981 British Act. Before this territory was called colonies or corona colonies. In relation to British overseas territories, the name "Overseas Territories of Great Britain" can also be used, or simply "overseas territories", when the belonging is clear from the context.

Jersey Islands, Guernsey, as well as Man Island, are also under the sovereignty of the British Crown, but have several excellent constitutional relations with the UK, and are consistently classified as corona lands (corona possessions, English Crown Dependencies), and not overseas territories. Overseas and dependent territories should be distinguished from the Commonwealth of Nations (English Commonwealth of Nations), the voluntary union of the former British colonies, and from recently some other countries, for example, Mozambique, who have joined the Commonwealth for financial and political reasons.

In the historical context, colonies, formerly part of the UK, should be distinguished from the protectorates, which, while under the British control, nominally retained independence. They should also not be confused with dominions, independent states that had equal status with the UK in the British Empire, and after the Westminster Statute of 1931 - in the British Commonwealth of Nations. Crown colonies, for example, Hong Kong, differed from other colonies in that they were managed directly from the crown and did not have autonomy, which was in self-governed colonies, for example, in the Bermuda Islands.

Currently, the population of overseas territories is estimated at 247,899 people.

History

The first British colonies in the new world were settlements of British subjects in the lands, still those who were out of the ownership of the crown. The first such colony was Newfoundland, where in the XVI century, British fishermen founded seasonal settlements. In 1607, a settlement of Jamestown appeared, the first permanent colony in Virginia (the term used in relation to the whole North America). In 1609, in the Bermuda waslands, the victims of the shipwreck were founded by the second colony, which, after losing in 1783, the American colonies became the oldest existing British colony (English colonies were called British in 1707, after the unification of England and Scotland and the formation of the United Kingdom of the United Kingdom).

The final list of territories that received the status of the Crown Colony:

* Trinidad and Tobago - in 1797
* Dominica - in 1805
* Saint Lucia - in 1814

The growth of the British Empire in the 1920th century, which reached the peak in the 1920s, led to the fact that the United Kingdom joined more than a quarter of sushi, including territories in Asia and Africa, who had a significant local population, and held not for colonization, but from commercial or strategic considerations . At the end of the XIX century, large settlement colonies in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, they became self-governing and gained independence in all matters with the exception of foreign policy, defense and trade. Scattered self-governing colonies united, forming the federation: Canada in 1867 and the Australian Union in 1901. These, as well as other large self-governing colonies in the 1920s received the name of the dominion and gained complete independence on the basis of the 1931 Westminster Statute. The empire was renamed the British Commonwealth, which since 1949 began to be called the Commonwealth of Nations. Independence received most British colonies in Africa, Asia and West Indies. Some former colonies have become the kingdoms of the Commonwealth, leaving the British monarch as the head of state, others became republics, but they recognized the Queen Elizabeth II as the head of the Commonwealth.

Saint George's city on Bermuda. The colony was founded in 1609 by the shipwreck by settlers from the flagship ship of the Virginian company. In 1612, the company's privilege was expanded on the Bermuda, and from that time they are English (from 1707 - British) colony. After the proclamation of virginia of independence, it is the oldest British colony, and St. Georges's city is the oldest continuously populated English settlement in the new world.

In the 1980s, the United Kingdom lost the last continental colonies - South Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in Africa in 1980, and British Honduras (now Belize) in Central America In 1981. The last large colony remained Hong Kong, who had a population of more than 5 million people. Unlike other territories, Hong Kong from an administrative point of view consisted of two parts:

* The island of Hong Kong and Kaulong Peninsula were joined by Britain forever in the Nanjing Treaty and the Peking Treaty of 1860.
* The territory of the mainland China, the so-called new territories was rented by Britain for 99 years since 1898 to accommodate the growing population of Hong Kong.

In view of the approximation of 1997, the United Kingdom and the PRC signed a joint Chinese-British Declaration, in which the entire Hong Kong in 1997 became the "Special Administrative Region" of the PRC, with numerous conditions that should guarantee the preservation of the capitalist economy of Hong Kong and the lifestyle formed during the British Vladyov is at least 50 years after his transfer. The transfer of all Hong Kong was dictated by the fact that his infrastructure was largely related to the Guangdong province, and the British territory could not exist without Chinese deliveries.

After the return of Hong Kong, China, the remaining colonial possessions of the UK were mainly small island territories with a minor population, as well as uninhabited British Antarctic territory. These territories did not receive independence for various reasons, in particular:

* Lack of independence support from the local population
* A small amount of population making problems with the functioning of the territory as an independent state.
* Dependence on Economic Assistance by the United Kingdom
* The need for British military presence to protect against neighboring states
* Lack of economic and political prerequisites for independence
* Some territories are not populated and used in scientific and military purposes

In 2002, the British Parliament approved the Law on British Overseas Territories. He changed the name "Dependent territory" on "overseas territories" and restored full-fledged British citizenship for their inhabitants (with the exception of the territory of military bases in Cyprus).

Currently, British Overseas Territories exist in all regions of the world - in the Caribbean (North America), Folkland ( South America), Saint Helena Islands in Africa, Pitkern in Oceania, Gibraltar in Europe, British Territory in the Indian Ocean in Asia and South Sandwich Islands in Antarctica.

Head of State

The head of state in the overseas territories is the British monarch (currently - Queen Elizabeth II) as the head of Great Britain, and not according to the laws of individual territories. In each territory, the queen appoints its representatives to implement the executive. In territories with a permanent population on the recommendation of the Government of Great Britain, the Queen is appointed by the governor, as a rule, a senior officer retired, or a civil servant. In the territories without a permanent population, the Commissioner is usually appointed. In overseas territories with dependent possessions, the governor may appoint an administrator who represents in the dependent territory.

Governor de facto is the head of state. It is usually responsible for the appointment of the head of government, and other civil servants. The governor is also responsible for contacting the Great Britain and performs executive functions. The Commissioner has the same powers as the governor, however, the functions of the head of government also performs.

Government

All overseas territories have their own government system and local legislation. Their structure is guarded with the size and political development of the colony.

Legislative system

Each overseas territory has its own legislation independent of the British legislation. The legislative system is generally based on English common law, with some local differences. Each territory has its own initial prosecutor and the judicial system. In small territories, the United Kingdom appoints a judge or a lawyer who deals with court cases.

Such a system is particularly important in affairs, swinging serious crimes and where it is impossible to find non-commissioned jury, for example, on the unclosed Islands. An example of the UK intervention in a lawsuit on a specific case is to investigate the facts of rape on Pitkerne Island in 2004.

Relations with the United Kingdom

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Affairs is responsible for supervising compliance with the interests of all overseas territories except the bases in Cyprus under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defense. The department of overseas territories is headed by the Minister of Ocean Territories, currently it is the Parliamentary Deputy Minister Meg Mann.

* Self-determination
* Responsibility of Great Britain and territories
* Democratic autonomy
* Provision of assistance and support

The United Kingdom and overseas territories do not have diplomatic missions, but the governments of overseas areas with the indigenous population (except for the Bermuda islands) have their own representative offices in London. The interests of the territories also represent the Association of the UK Overseas Territories located in London (United Kingdom Oversea Territories Association (UKOTA).

Financial assistance is provided through the Department International Development. Currently, budget assistance is received only by Montserrat and Saint Helena Island. In addition, there are several special funds, for example:

* The Good Government Fund, for the development of government management
* The Economic Diversification ProgramMe Budget, the purpose of which is the diversification of the territory economy

External relations

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Affairs are engaged in foreign affairs of overseas territories. In addition, some territories are in neighboring countries diplomatic representatives involved in immigration foreign economic issues. A number of Caribbean territories are included in the Organization of East Caribbean States and the Caribbean Community. None of the overseas territories is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, although they take part in the Commonwealth Games.

Gibraltar is the only overseas territory included in the European Union, but it is not an independent member and is not included in the Customs Union. The remaining overseas territories are not members of the European Union, and most of the EU laws on them do not apply. Certain parts of the EU legislation are applicable to them as members of the Association of Overseas countries and territories (Eng. Oct Association), but in practice they are rarely used by local courts. On the same basis, the overseas territories provide structural funds for projects for the restoration.

From the moment of returning, most residents of the overseas territories of full-fledged British citizenship (mainly, on the basis of the Law on British Oil Territories of 2002), the subjects of these territories have a parallel citizenship of the European Union, which gives them the right to free move on all members of the European Union.

Several states have territorial claims to the UK affecting the following overseas territories:

* The British Antarctic Territory is not recognized by the world community (see the Antarctic Treaty), in addition, part of the territory is disputed by Chile and Argentina.
* British Territory in the Indian Ocean - disputed by Mauritius and Seychelles
* Falkland Islands - challenges Argentina
* Gibraltar - disputed Spain
* South Georgia and South Islands Sandwiches - disputed Argentina
* Military bases Akrotiri and Decoleia - conpact Cyprus

Citizenship

None of the overseas territories have its own citizenship, and all citizens are classified as citizens of British overseas territories (eng. British Overseas Territories Citizens, Botc). However, territories have self-government in migration issues, so the receipt of the status of BOTC does not automatically give the right to stay in other territories, as it depends on the migration laws of a specific territory. The overseas territory can provide the status of a resident (BELONGER STATUS), giving the right to residence. Persons who do not have citizenship of British overseas territories can receive this status in order to accommodate in a particular area, and after that, at the request, to pass naturalization and receive citizenship.

Historically, most residents of the former British Empire had British allegedly, which, as a rule, was lost after gaining independence territory. Since 1949, British citizens in the UK and the remaining corona colonies have become known as citizens of Great Britain and colonies (English Citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies). However, changes made to the law on citizenship and immigration from 1962 to 1983 led to the creation of a separate citizenship of British dependent territories in January 1983 (British Dependent Territories Citizenship), and thus the majority of the population of the overseas territories were devoid of full-fledged British citizenship . This was done mainly to prevent the mass immigration of Hong Kong residents in the UK before his transfer of the PRC in 1997. The exception was made for the Falkland Islands, which a year before the attack on Argentina. Due to disagreements with Spain, full-fledged British citizenship was soon returned to the residents of Gibraltar.

In 2002, the Law on British Zamorsk territories replaced the citizenship of British dependent areas to citizenship of British overseas territories, and restored full-fledged British citizenship for all its owners, with the exception of the population of military bases in Cyprus. Due to this, residents of the territories again received the right to live in the UK territory.

At the same time, British citizens do not have the automatic right to settle in any of the overseas territories. In some of them, immigration is prohibited, and all arriving should receive permission to resolving the government of the territory. A visit to the Island of Ascension and British Territory in the Indian Ocean is not allowed (for excluding official visits), since these territories are used as military bases.

Armed forces

The protection of overseas territories is replied by the United Kingdom. Many overseas territories are military bases of Great Britain and its allies.

* The island of Ascension (administratively related to the Island of St. Helena) - the British Air Force Battery and the US Air Force, previously known as RAF Ascension Island.
* Bermuda islands - after the proclamation of independence of the United States became the main base of the UK Navy in the Western Hemisphere. On the islands there is an admiralty, shipyard and a squadron. To protect them, a significant military garrison was created, and the Bermuda was considered by the British government not as a colony, but as a military base - "Gibraltar of the West". During World War II, the Canadian and American military bases were created at the Bermuda, which also existed during the Cold War. Since 1995, the military presence in the Bermuda waslated was reduced to the territorial battalion (Eng. Bermuda Regiment).
* British Territory in the Indian Ocean - on the island of Diego Garcia is a large naval and aviation base, rented by the United States to 2036 with the possibility of extension, or revising the terms of the contract in 2016.
* Falkland Islands - On the Islands there are a British military group (eng. British Forces Falkland Islands), which includes land forces, aviation and fleet.
* Gibraltar - There is a British Navy base, air base and shipyard used by NATO, as well as a garrison (Royal Gibraltar Regiment).
* Bases of Akrotiri and Decoleia in Cyprus - Strategic British Military Base in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Symbols and emblems

Each overseas territory has its own flag and coat of arms complained by the British monarch. Traditionally, the flags correspond to the design of a blue feed flag (Blue Ensign), with the UK flag in a hatch and an arms of the territory. The exception is:

* Bermuda Islands - English Shopping Flag (Eng. Red Ensign)
* British Antarctic Territory - English Naval Flag, Eng. White Ensign)
* British territory in the Indian Ocean - blue feed flag with wavy lines, symbolizing the sea).
* Gibraltar - Flag with its own coat of arms (Flag of Gibraltar). The emblem of Gibraltar is the only one who existed before the arrival of the British colonial administration.

Bases of Akrotiri and Decoleia in Cyprus are the only British overseas territory that does not have its own flag. In them, as well as on the island of Ascension, the UK flag is used.

Introduction

British overseas territories (eng. British overseas territories) - Fourteen territories under the sovereignty of Great Britain, but not part of it.

The name "British Overseas Territories" was introduced in 2002 by the Law on British Oil Territories and replaced the term "British Dependent Territories" (Eng. British-Dependent Territories), which contained in the Law on the British sentence of 1981. Before this territory was called colonies or corona colonies. In relation to British overseas territories, the name "Overseas Territories of Great Britain" can also be used, or simply "overseas territories", when the belonging is clear from the context.

Jersey, Guernsey Islands, as well as Man Island, are also under the sovereignty of the British Crown, but have several excellent constitutional relations with the UK, and are consistently classified as corona lands (corona possessions, English. Crown Dependencies.), not overseas territories. Overseas Territories and Crown Earths should be distinguished from the Commonwealth of Nations (English. Commonwealth of Nations.), the voluntary union of the former British colonies, and from recently some other countries, for example, Mozambique, who have joined the Commonwealth on financial and political reasons.

In the historical context of the colony, formerly part of the UK, should be distinguished from the protectorates, which, while under British control, nominally maintained independence. They should also not be confused with dominions, independent states that had equal status with the UK in the British Empire, and after the Westminster Statute of 1931 - in the British Commonwealth of Nations. Crown colonies, for example, Hong Kong, differed from other colonies in that they were managed directly from the crown and did not have autonomy, which was in self-governed colonies, for example, in the Bermuda Islands.

The total population of the territories is about 260 thousand people, the area is 3100 km². In addition, the United Kingdom claims part of the Antarctic territory (British Antarctic Territory) area &&&&&&& 01724900. &&&&& 01 724 900 km², but, according to the Antarctic Treaty, signed and ratified by the United Kingdom, these territories cannot be in possession of individual states.

1. History

The first British colonies in the new world were settlements of British subjects in the lands, still those who were out of possessions of the British crown. The first such colony was Newfoundland, where in the XVI century, British fishermen founded seasonal settlements. In 1607, a settlement of Jamestown appeared, the first permanent colony in Virginia (the term used in relation to all of North America). In 1609, in the Bermuda waslands, the victims of the shipwreck were founded by the second colony, which, after losing in 1783, the American colonies became the oldest existing British colony (English colonies were called British in 1707, after the unification of England and Scotland and the formation of the United Kingdom of the United Kingdom).

The final list of territories that received the status of the Crown Colony:

Trinidad and Tobago - in 1797

Dominica - in 1805

Saint Lucia - in 1814

The growth of the British Empire in the 1920th century, which reached the peak in the 1920s, led to the fact that the United Kingdom joined more than a quarter of sushi, including territories in Asia and Africa, who had a significant local population, and held not for colonization, and from commercial or strategic considerations . At the end of the XIX century, large settlement colonies in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa became self-governing and gained independence in all matters, with the exception of foreign policy, defense and trade. Scattered self-governing colonies united, forming the federation: Canada in 1867 and the Australian Union in 1901. These, as well as other large self-governing colonies in the 1920s received the name of the dominion and gained complete independence on the basis of the 1931 Westminster Statute. The empire was renamed the British Commonwealth, which since 1949 began to be called the Commonwealth of Nations. Independence received most British colonies in Africa, Asia and West Indies. Some former colonies have become the kingdoms of the Commonwealth, leaving the British monarch as the head of state, others became republics, but they recognized the Queen Elizabeth II as the head of the Commonwealth.

In the 1980s, the United Kingdom lost the last continental colonies - South Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in Africa in 1980, and the British Honduras (now Belize) in Central America in 1981. The last large colony remained Hong Kong, who had a population of more than 5 million people. Unlike other territories, Hong Kong from an administrative point of view consisted of two parts:

The Island of Hong Kong and the Kaulong Peninsula were joined by Britain forever in the Nanking Agreement and the Peking Treaty of 1860.

The territory of the mainland China, the so-called new territories, was rented by Britain for 99 years, starting from 1898 to accommodate the growing population of Hong Kong.

After the return of Hong Kong, China's remaining colonial possessions of Great Britain were mainly small island territories with a minor population, as well as uninhabited British Antarctic territory. These territories did not receive independence for various reasons, in particular:

Lack of independence support from the local population.

A small number of population making problems with the functioning of the territory as an independent state.

Dependence on Economic Assistance from the UK.

The need for a British military presence to protect against neighboring states.

Lack of economic and political prerequisites for independence.

Some territories are not populated and used in scientific or military purposes.

Currently, British Overseas Territories exist in all regions of the world - in the Caribbean (North America), Falkland Islands (South America), Saint Helena Island in Africa, Pitcairn in Oceania, Gibraltar in Europe, British Territory in the Indian Ocean in Asia and South Sandwich Islands in Antarctica.

2. List of territories

3. Management

3.1. Head of State

3.2. Administration

All overseas territories have their own government system and local legislation. Their structure correlates with the size and political development of the colony.

3.3. Legislative system

Such a system is especially important in affairs, which cannor serious crimes and where it is impossible to find non-commissioned jury, for example, on the unclosed Islands. An example of the United Kingdom intervention in a lawsuit on a specific case is to investigate the facts of rape on Pitcairn Island in 2004.

4. Relations with Great Britain

Self-determination

Responsibility of Great Britain and territories

Democratic autonomy

Providing assistance and support

The governments of overseas areas with the indigenous population (except for the Bermuda) have their own representative offices in London. The interests of the territories also represent the Association of the UK Overseas Territories located in London (United Kingdom Oversea Territories Association (UKOTA).

Financial assistance is provided through the Department of International Development. Currently, budget assistance is received only by Montserrat and Saint Helena Island. In addition, there are several special funds, for example:

THE GOOD GOVERNMENT FUND, for the development of government governance

THE ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION PROGRAMME BUDGETwhose goal is to diversify the territory economy

5. External relations

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Affairs are engaged in foreign affairs of overseas territories. In addition, some territories have in neighboring countries of diplomatic representatives engaged in immigration foreign economic issues. A number of Caribbean territories are included in the Organization of East Caribbean States and the Caribbean Community. None of the overseas territories is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, although they take part in the Commonwealth Games.

Gibraltar is the only overseas territory included in the European Union, but it is not an independent member and is not included in the Customs Union. The remaining overseas territories are not members of the European Union, and most of the EU laws on them do not apply. Certain parts of the EU legislation are applicable to them as members of the Association of Overseas countries and territories (English. Oct Association.) However, in practice, they are rarely used by local courts. On the same basis, structural funds for recovery projects are provided to overseas territories.

From the moment of returning, most residents of the overseas territories of full-fledged British citizenship (mainly on the basis of the Law on British Oil Territories of 2002), the subjects of these territories have a parallel citizenship of the European Union, which gives them the right to free displacement throughout the territory of the European Union member countries.

Several states have territorial claims to the UK affecting the following overseas territories:

The British Antarctic Territory is not recognized by the World Community (see the Antarctic Treaty), in addition, part of the territory is disputed by Chile and Argentina.

The British Territory in the Indian Ocean is disputed by Mauritius and Seychelles

Falkland Islands - disputed Argentina

Gibraltar - disputed Spain

South George and South Sandwich Islands - disputed Argentina

War Bases Akrotiri and Decoleia - Corrected by Cyprus

6. Citizenship

None of the overseas territories have its own citizenship, and all citizens are classified as citizens of British overseas territories (English. British Overseas Territories Citizens, Botc). However, territories have self-government in migration issues, so obtaining the status of BOTC does not automatically give the right to stay in other territories, as it depends on the migration laws of a specific territory. The overseas territory can provide the status of a resident (eng. Belonger Status.), giving the right to stay. Persons who do not have citizenship of British overseas territories can receive this status in order to accommodate in a particular area, and after that, at the request, to pass naturalization and receive citizenship.

Historically, most residents of the former British empire had a British citizenship, which, as a rule, was lost after gaining independence territory. Since 1949, British citizens in the UK and the remaining corona colonies became known as citizens of Great Britain and colonies (English. citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies). However, the changes made to the Law on Citizenship and Immigration in the period from 1962 to 1983 led to the creation of British Dependent Territories in January 1983 (English. British Dependent Territories Citizenship), and thus, the majority of the population of the overseas territories were devoid of full-fledged British citizenship. This was done mainly to prevent the mass immigration of Hong Kong residents in the UK before his transfer of the PRC in 1997. The exception was made for the Falkland Islands, which a year before the attack on Argentina. Due to disagreements with Spain, full-fledged British citizenship was soon returned to the residents of Gibraltar.

In 2002, the Law on British Zamorsk territories replaced the citizenship of British dependent areas to citizenship of British overseas Territories and restored full-fledged British citizenship for all its owners, with the exception of the population of military bases in Cyprus. Thanks to this, residents of the territories again received the right to live in the UK territory.

7. Armed Forces

The protection of overseas territories is replied by the United Kingdom. Many overseas territories are military bases of Great Britain and its allies.

The Ascension Island (administratively related to the Island of St. Helena) - the British Air Force Battery and the US Air Force, previously known as Raf Ascension Island.

Bermuda islands - after the proclamation of independence of the United States became the main base of the UK Navy in the Western Hemisphere. On the islands there is an admiralty, shipyard and a squadron. To protect them, a significant military garrison was created, and the Bermuda was considered by the British government not as a colony, but as a military base - "Gibraltar of the West". During World War II, the Canadian and American military bases were created at the Bermuda, which also existed during the Cold War. Since 1995, the military presence in the Bermuda waslands were reduced to the territorial battalion (English. Bermuda Regiment.).

The British Territory in the Indian Ocean - on the island of Diego Garcia is a large naval and aviation base, rented by the United States until 2016 with the possibility of extending or revising the terms of the contract until 2036.

Falkland Islands - On the Islands there are a British military group (eng. British Forces on the Falklands), including land forces, aviation and fleet.

Gibraltar - There is a British Navy base, air base and shipyard used by NATO, as well as garrison (eng. Royal Gibraltar Regiment).

Bases Akrotiri and Decoleia in Cyprus - Strategic British Military Base in Eastern Mediterranean.

8. Symbols and emblems

Each overseas territory has its own flag and coat of arms complained by the British monarch. Traditionally flags correspond to the design of the blue feed flag (eng. Blue Ensign), with the flag of the UK in a hatch and the coat of arms of the territory. The exception is:

Bermuda Islands - English Shopping Flag (English. RED ENSIGN.)

British Antarctic Territory - English Naval Flag, Eng. White Ensign)

British Territory in the Indian Ocean - blue feed flag with wavy lines, symbolizing the sea).

Gibraltar - Flag with its own coat of arms (flag of Gibraltar). The emblem of Gibraltar is the only one who existed before the arrival of the British colonial administration.

Bases of Akrotiri and Decoleia in Cyprus are the only British overseas territory that does not have its own flag. In them, as well as on the island of Ascension, the UK flag is used.

9. Gallery

Sandy Grand, Anguilla.

Saint George, Bermuda.

Type of military base on Diego Garcia, British Territory in the Indian Ocean.

Rod-Town, Tortol, British Virgin Islands.

Big Cayman, Cayman Islands.

Plateau, Falkland Islands.

Gibraltar rock, Gibraltar.

volcano Sufrier, Montserrat.

Adamstown, Pitcairn.

Jamestown, Saint Helena.

Cumberland Bay, South George and South Islands Sandwich.