Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard, has concluded a week-long visit to the Falkland Islands, reaffirming the UK’s unyielding commitment to the region’s security and prosperity.
During his visit, Pollard met with local Falkland Islanders, UK military personnel, and civil servants, highlighting the ongoing strategic importance of the British Overseas Territory.
As the first Minister from the new government to visit the Falklands, Pollard highlighted that the UK’s dedication to the islanders’ right to self-determination and continued military presence in the region is unshakeable.
I’ve just landed back in Britain after a week in the south Atlantic.
The Falkland Islands are British and will remain so for as long as the Falkland Islanders wish to be. 🇬🇧🇫🇰 https://t.co/J6Hokcls01
— Luke Pollard MP (@LukePollard) November 13, 2024
“The UK’s commitment to the security and prosperity of the Falkland Islands remains unshakable, from upholding the islanders’ rights to self-determination, to our continued military presence in the region, from Search and Rescue support to protecting the island’s wildlife,” Pollard said in a statement following his visit.
He also paid tribute to the 255 British service personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in 1982, defending the Falkland Islands during the conflict. “It’s been an honour to spend a week here in the South Atlantic remembering the 255 service personnel who gave their lives back in 1982 to defend the Falkland Islands,” Pollard remarked.
The Minister’s visit underlines the UK’s continued involvement in protecting the islands’ interests, which includes not only military defence but also environmental protection efforts. “UK forces take part in a range of activities to protect the island’s interests,” he added.
Pollard concluded his visit with a clear message: “The Falklands are British for as long as the Falkland Islanders want to be.” The trip has served as a strong reminder of the enduring ties between the UK and the Falkland Islands, reinforcing the ongoing support for the islanders and their right to remain British.
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There is still an ancient legal advantage in being an empire. This goes back to Tudor times . The Pope was carving up the Americas between Spain & Portugal. John Dee came up with a dodgy history claiming a British empire base on Arthurian myths. Empire status let England barge in,& set up, on North American colonies.
There is also the principle that international law is binding on nation states, but advisory, not compulsory on empires.
It was discoveries all over the world, see Tordesillas treaty.