Brits abroad: the UK and its overseas citizens

This year represents a pivotal moment in which Britain looks beyond Europe in the wake of Brexit and explores its relationship with the rest of the world. As the UK sets out on this new chapter, join Michaela Benson to discuss what this might mean for Britain’s overseas citizens.

The phrase ‘Brits abroad’ often brings to mind retirees enjoying the sunshine on the Spanish Costa del Sol but the reality is quite different. Britain’s overseas citizens – its emigrants settled outside the UK and citizens of former colonies and overseas territories – seldom feature in discussions about what it means to be British or what the UK’s role in the world should be. But exploring Britishness through overseas citizens reveals much about the UK’s colonial legacies, contemporary politics and Britain’s relationship with its nearest neighbours in Europe.

At this key juncture, how will the concept of Britishness change and how will the lives of Britain’s citizens overseas be affected?

Sign up to watch the event live, test your own knowledge of British emigration and have the opportunity to submit your question during the audience Q&A.

Speaker: Dr Michaela Benson, British Academy Mid-Career Fellow, Reader in Sociology, Goldsmiths, University of London

Chair: Mukti Jain Campion, founder and executive producer, Culture Wise

This event will have live subtitles provided by Stagetext, delivered by MyClearText

Free, booking required

This event will take place on Zoom Webinar. The link to join the event will be sent to you in a confirmation email. A recording of this event will be added to our YouTube channel after the event has taken place. If you have any questions about this event please refer to our Public Events FAQs. If your question is not answered, please email [email protected].

Image: A mother and daughter look at the Hong Kong skyline together.