Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Falkland Islands

Tuesday 12 March 2024 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Louie French asked about steps to uphold the Falkland Islanders' right of self-determination, to which the response was that the UK Government will protect and promote this right, and only the islanders can decide their future.
  • Sheryll Murray recalled the Falklands War and the determination of the UK Government during that time, to which the response was that the Government remains steadfast in upholding the islanders' right of self-determination.
  • Louie French commended the Falkland Islanders for building a modern and thriving community and economy, and asked if their sovereignty would be up for discussion as long as they wish to remain part of the British family, to which the response was affirmative.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Louie French Con Old Bexley and Sidcup
Context

The question is prompted by the need to uphold the democratic rights of Falkland Islanders, ensuring their autonomy in deciding their future.

Question

What steps he is taking to uphold the Falkland Islanders' right of self-determination. Only they can decide their future without external interference or negotiation of their democratic rights.

Answer from David Rutley

The UK Government will always protect and promote the Falkland Islanders' right of self-determination. Only they can decide their future. We want a good relationship with Argentina, but have been very clear that we will never negotiate away the islanders' democratic rights.

Answered
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Q2 Sheryll Murray Con
Defence
Context

The question is prompted by the memory of the Falklands War in 1982 and the Prime Minister's declaration at that time, reflecting on whether current government policies retain a similar level of commitment.

Question

I am the chair of the British overseas territories all-party parliamentary group. I remember watching the ships leave the Tamar in my constituency and head to the Falklands more than 40 years ago. In 1982, our Prime Minister, Maggie Thatcher, said: “Defeat? I do not recognise the meaning of the word.” Do the Government retain that steely resolve?

Answer from David Rutley

I am young enough to remember those days as well, and yes, the UK Government remain steadfast in their resolve to ensure that the Falkland Islanders' right of self-determination is upheld, and we will continue to use all diplomatic means to that end.

Answered
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Q3 Louie French Con Old Bexley and Sidcup
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question is prompted by the recognition of the Falkland Islanders' efforts to develop a modern, thriving community. The MP seeks confirmation on the Government's stance regarding their sovereignty.

Question

Will my hon. Friend join me in recognising the efforts of the Falkland Islanders to build a modern, thriving community and economy, and does he agree that as long as they wish to remain part of the British family, the sovereignty of the Falklands Islands will not be up for discussion?

Answer from David Rutley

Well said. The modern, diverse, economically prosperous Falkland Islands of today is testimony to the islanders' achievements since the 1982 conflict. The islanders are a valued part of the British family, and as long as they want to remain part of the family, sovereignty will not be up for discussion.

Answered
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Q4 Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question is prompted by the need to ensure that previous statements regarding the Falkland Islands are communicated effectively to all relevant parties, specifically Argentina.

Question

Have the very commendable words that the Minister has said at the Dispatch Box today been relayed to the Argentinian authorities?

Answer from David Rutley

As I have said, we are working on our good relations with Argentina, but the country is very clear about our position on the Falkland Islands.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific communication details

How: Working On Relations

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