New Relationships for the Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories

Brexit’s effects were felt not just between the UK and EU but also had profound effects in other jurisdictions with special relationships to the UK. The Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man) and Overseas Territories (those geographically in Europe being Gibraltar and the Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus) have complex and often unique constitutional histories and relationships with the UK. This meant that each jurisdiction had to respond in its own way to the many challenges posed to the very fabric of established legal and political relationships. This chapter looks at the fascinating histories which have existed between the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories and the UK, how these histories went to shape their EU relationships with Europe and what this meant for the Brexit trade agenda and its outcomes. The chapter also looks to the future to consider how these jurisdictions which are not part of the United Kingdom yet have a deep British relationship might respond in developing further their own international identities.