At the outset of the First World War, the British Empire comprised 400 million people and its territorial arsenal was so vast that the sun never set on it.

Since the end of the Second World War, the empire has gradually reduced, leading to it now being no more than a scattering of islands and outposts, devoid of the power and influence it once brought.

But Britain retains a collection of island territories across the world, each with its own history, traditions and customs. 

Some of these islands remain a thorny diplomatic issue such as Gibraltar. 

Following Spain’s Euro 2024 victory over England, Spanish players Alvaro Morata and Rodri were filmed singing “Gibraltar is Spanish” leading to charges being brought by UEFA.

Located on the southern tip of the Iberian peninsula, Gibraltar is regularly used by the British Army and is dominated by the rock of Gibraltar, a 426m mountain.

Whilst discussions have taken place in the past regarding joint ownership with Spain, a 2002 referendum on the proposals saw Gibraltans wholeheartedly reject the plans, with 99% voting against the proposals to end the 300 year feud.

Other islands have had their sovereignty established by more forceful means, with a 1982 attempt by the Argentinian Junta to reclaim the Falkland islands leading to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher dispatching a task force to reclaim the territory and free its inhabitants.

In recent years, there has been rising sentiments over their claims to the territory, with Argentina’s president Javier Milei promising a “roadmap” for the islands to become Argentine.

The smallest of the British Overseas territories is also the furthest away. The Pitcairn islands comprises the islands of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno and is 14,387km away in the Pacific Ocean. 

Pitcairn, the only inhabited island, is a small volcanic outcrop situated in the South Pacific and is roughly 2,170km east south-east of Tahiti and just over 6,600km from Panama.