The consequences of ‘Brexit’ are many, and one that is little discussed is the
reigniting of the debate as to whether Britain’s Overseas Territories (BOTs)
should have direct representation within the United Kingdom Houses of
Parliament; presently they do not. Proponents suggest that this would
strengthen the territories’ voice in, and links with, Britain. The article
considers this debate by drawing on some of the extant literature on what
constitutes a demos, as well as descriptive representation, and the
experiences of the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Åland, and Puerto Rico, which
do have direct representation in their respective metropolitan parliaments.
The article suggests that although there are strong normative arguments for
such representation, the mixed record of the territories featured does not
offer compelling evidence that a change for the BOTs would bring about
significant improvements in how their interests are represented and defended.