COVID-19 and the British Overseas Territories: a comparative view

Abstract

The British Overseas Territories are part of the ‘Commonwealth family’, and have characteristics such as isolation, economic vulnerability, and small populations, which have influenced how the territories have tackled COVID-19. Their direct relationship with Britain has been another important consideration. The article focuses on four of the Overseas Territories–the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, British Virgin Islands, and Pitcairn–and considers their responses to, and challenges caused by, the pandemic. Overall, the territories have effectively managed the initial period of the pandemic, but each is under significant strain and in some instances the relationship with Britain has become more difficult. Indeed, COVID has exacerbated pre-existing tensions between the territories and London.