>>513423909 (OP)
sheep, laundering, untapped hydrocarbons, Southern Hemisphere and South Atlantic sigint and communications, Antarctic and South American force projection
yes it was worth it—Britain is reliant on overseas territories both militarily, and as part of the financial instruments offered by the City, which are foundational to the UK economy
to make clear that none of these territories are "up for grabs" by any old jumped-up, tinpot, ancient battleship-wielding dictator—of this-or-that shithole banana republic—was absolutely vital