Dear supporter

As you may know, Friends of the British Overseas Territories is the leading UK charity on raising awareness of issues impacting over overseas territories. All money that comes to us goes into promoting, supporting and raising awareness of the UK Overseas Territories. We usually charge guests for events to cover room hires and refreshments. No speakers are ever paid and any spare money goes into our yearly campaigns and events.

Given the current emergency situation with the Chagos Islands, we have so far been incredibly ambitious to campaign against the UK Government and lobby the UK parliament. So far we have received incredible support and we thank you all for your passion and concern.

Our next step is even more ambitious, and we need your help.

Chagossian communities are spread across the globe and have differing operational models. They all have one thing in common, they want self-determination.

That is why we want to host the biggest Call to Action yet and gather all the groups of the UK Chagossians and as many as we can fit into a venue which is appropriate.

Unlike other events we host, we want this to be completely free of charge to Chagossians and supporters as we hope to host around 500-800 people.

The venue we are currently looking at costs £2000 to hire for the evening and we would like your help to contribute to this cost.

Update: Having smashed this target we are looking to raise an additional £1,000 to support our ongoing campaign funds as we fight to retain the British Indian Ocean Territory every step of the way. Any funds raised above the original £2,000 will be spent solely on events or media campaigns in support of these efforts.

Given our media coverage so far, we are expecting this to be a lively high-profile event, with journalists and broadcasters present. We will also have political VIPs speaking at this event.

Self-determination must prevail and sovereignty must be protected.

Please contribute as you see fit, we will close donations once we have hit the objective.

Thank you.