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Question
Mr Grey inquired about the effectiveness of the Government’s response and sought clarity on whether businesses and individuals can be prosecuted under Argentine law for conducting lawful activities in the Falkland Islands.
Minister reply
Uma Kumaran responded by confirming the Government's intention to deploy the protection of trading interests legislation to counter any Argentine measures attempting to regulate lawful activity beyond its jurisdiction. She emphasised the need to ensure legal certainty and confidence for UK businesses involved in the Sea Lion project and other lawful activities in the Falkland Islands.
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Question
Mr Rosindell raised concerns about the potential for Argentina to use Interpol to issue Red Notices for individuals involved in the Sea Lion project, and asked for details on the Government's engagement with Interpol and other international partners to prevent this.
Minister reply
Uma Kumaran stated that the Government is engaging with Interpol and international partners to address the risks posed by Argentine threats, including the possibility of Red Notices. She assured that the Government is working to ensure that British citizens are not unjustly targeted and that legal support is being provided to those affected.
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Question
Ian Paisley questioned the Government's readiness to support the Falkland Islands economically and asked for further details on the financial support being provided.
Minister reply
Uma Kumaran acknowledged the importance of economic support and stated that the Government is engaging with businesses and the Falkland Islands Government to understand their concerns and provide necessary support. She emphasised the commitment to defend lawful commercial activity and protect the islanders' livelihoods.
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Question
Mr Amess inquired about the specific measures being taken to protect British companies and individuals involved in the Sea Lion project and other lawful activities in the Falkland Islands.
Minister reply
Uma Kumaran confirmed that the Government is taking a multi-faceted approach to protect British interests, including engaging with businesses, deploying legal protections, and mobilising international support. She assured the House that the Government will continue to work closely with affected parties to address their concerns and provide necessary support.
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Question
Welcoming the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly Chair to the Gallery, Morton expressed her support for the Falkland Islanders' right to self-determination. She questioned the Foreign Secretary's role, the implications of extending protection of trading interests measures to Argentina, and the UK's response to the CPTPP application. Morton also inquired about the FCDO's engagement with Interpol, assurances given to international partners, and the practical support offered to those affected by legal action or threats. She further asked about the Government's plans for targeted sanctions and its stance on Argentina's economic threats. Morton concluded by highlighting the importance of the UK's diplomatic, economic, and military strength in defending its interests.
Minister reply
The Minister thanked Morton for her concerns and clarified that the UK Government is committed to defending the Falkland Islanders' right to self-determination and will consider all appropriate measures, including sanctions, in response to Argentina's actions. She also mentioned the UK's focus on the merit of Argentina's CPTPP application while raising questions about Argentina's reliability. Regarding legal certainty and defence readiness, the Minister assured that the military presence in the South Atlantic is adequate and under constant review. She further emphasised the UK's support for businesses involved in the Sea Lion project and the readiness to deploy powers under the protection of trading interests legislation to protect lawful activity outside Argentina's jurisdiction.
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Question
Welcoming the Minister to her place, Taylor praised the announcements on commemoration events and asked if the Government is prepared to take additional measures against Argentina's threats to the Falkland Islanders' right to self-determination.
Minister reply
The Minister thanked Taylor for her question and affirmed that the UK Government will continue to do all necessary to protect the Falkland Islanders and their Government. She highlighted the upcoming 45th anniversary of the Falklands conflict and the planned commemoration events.
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Question
Welcoming the Government’s commitment to Falkland Islands sovereignty, the MP provides historical context and argues that Argentina’s recent claims are inconsistent with international law and colonial history. He asks if Britain will challenge any attempt to use UNCLOS, whether the CPTPP principles conflict with Argentina’s desires, and what measures will be taken to protect investment in the islands.
Minister reply
The minister confirms that the UK will challenge any attempt to use UNCLOS to determine territorial sovereignty. She states that the UK expects good practices from all international partners and that Argentina’s current behavior is not in line with expectations. She also commits to ensuring that all partners engage in diplomacy and dialogue to resolve the issue.
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Question
The MP asks if the UK Government will be intimidated by any aggressive or threatening language from Argentina.
Minister reply
The minister responds with an unequivocal yes, confirming that the UK will not be intimidated in any way.
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Question
The MP expresses concern over the permanent refuelling capability for military assets in the Falkland Islands and asks if the capability is being put back on the islands.
Minister reply
The minister states that she will discuss the issue with the Defence Minister and confirms that the UK is moving capabilities and assets in the area.
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Question
The MP raises discussions with allies in the Latin American region and expresses concern over spurious sovereignty claims in international courts.
Minister reply
The minister confirms that the UK is in regular discussion with friends and allies in the region, particularly in providing support for the Falkland Islands. She also reiterates the UK’s commitment to the sovereignty of the Falkland Islanders.
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Question
The MP asks if the UK would be militarily prepared to defend the Falkland Islands if called upon.
Minister reply
The minister confirms that the UK would be prepared to defend the Falkland Islands if necessary.
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Question
The MP inquires about the specific decision-making process for granting consent under the Offshore Minerals Ordinance 1994 and raises concerns about the UK's stance on drilling for oil and gas in the Falkland Islands compared to other regions.
Minister reply
The minister clarifies that the UK oil and gas licensing policy does not apply in the Falkland Islands, and she confirms that the Falkland Islanders’ right to develop their natural resources is in line with their self-determination.
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Question
The MP asks about the UK’s position regarding the potential candidacy of Rafael Grossi for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations and how the UK is protecting the rule of law.
Minister reply
The minister states that the UK is in constant communication with the US on matters related to international law and courts and will discuss the matter further if needed.
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Question
The MP asks if the UK is supporting Argentina’s candidacy for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations and whether other candidates supporting Argentina’s claim to the Falkland Islands should be disqualified.
Minister reply
The minister responds that the UK does not comment on UN Secretary-General processes from the Dispatch Box.
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Question
The MP expresses concern over the impact of Argentina’s recent claims on international companies considering investment in the Falkland Islands.
Minister reply
The minister assures the MP that matters of sovereignty are not in jeopardy and that the UK stands resolute behind the Falkland Islanders. She also mentions that letters of comfort have been issued to businesses where necessary.
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Question
The MP inquires about the potential impact of Argentina’s accession to the OECD and whether this is likely to occur given Argentina’s recent behavior.
Minister reply
The minister confirms that the UK will continue to consider all options and expresses hope that Argentina will reflect on its behavior.
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Question
Is it any surprise that President Milei cited the United Nations convention on the law of the sea annex VII in defence of his claim in relation to the sea lion field, when this Government are using article 298 to defend their position in relation to the Chagos islands? On the subject of UNCLOS, will the Minister use its strictures regarding freedom of navigation to ensure any thoughts that Argentina might have of frustrating the upcoming sea route between Punta Arenas and Stanley are given short shrift?
Minister reply
The House will understand that while legal proceedings are contemplated or under way, I will not provide a running commentary. The UK’s established position is that provisional measures ordered under the applicable international legal framework are binding on the parties, and that the UK complies with its international obligations. On the matters raised in relation to Chagos, the situation is in no way comparable.
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Question
May I strongly welcome all three Front-Bench statements on this vital matter? I would like to say, as someone who was politically active in 1982, that I well remember the failure of deterrence, which was partly fuelled by mass agitation for nuclear disarmament—an unrelated subject—at that time. Although the Minister says that there is no connection or parallel with the Chagos dispute, let me assure her that the signals that have been sent by the Government over Chagos are undermining of deterrence. Will she therefore make it crystal clear to Argentina now that any military action against the Falkland Islands will be met with an overwhelming military response?
Minister reply
I will be very clear to the right hon. Gentleman that we will do everything and anything it takes to protect the Falkland Islands. We have strong support for the nuclear deterrent. On the issue of the Chagos islands, I remind Members across the House that these situations are in no way comparable and bringing domestic politics into these matters does not help us. We have a united approach on how we deal with matters of the Falkland Islands, and we should go forward in that spirit.
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Question
This question has been asked already, but I am still unclear about the process of consenting new drilling at the Falklands. Will the Minister tell us whether the Government have a role in consenting new drilling in the Falklands—yes or no?
Minister reply
I reiterate the answer I gave a few minutes ago: the issues to do with drilling in the Falkland Islands are a matter for the Government of the Falkland Islands, and they are in no way comparable to domestic licences.