Asked by: Julian Knight (Independent - Solihull)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the European Union's decision to refer to the Falklands Islands as Islas Malvinas.
Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Since 1965 the United Nations has mandated the double nomenclature of "Falkland Islands / Islas Malvinas" in UN-issued documentation and a number of countries have chosen to follow suit. In all fora at which the UK is present, the UK will continue to insist on the use of the name that the Islanders recognise and wish to use: the Falkland Islands. The UK remains committed to defending the Falkland Islanders' right of self-determination and is unequivocal, including with the EU and its Member States, that there can be no discussions on sovereignty unless the Falkland Islanders wish. Following publication of the EU - Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Summit communiqué, the UK expressed its disappointment that the EU noted CELAC's position on the Islands. The EU publicly clarified their position has not changed.
Asked by: John Healey (Labour - Wentworth and Dearne)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) military personnel and (b) civilian defence personnel have been stationed in the Falkland Islands in each year since 2010.
Answered by James Heappey
This information is not held centrally, and it has not been possible to obtain it in the time available. I will write to the right hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Conservative - Romford)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of seabed mining in the territorial waters of the Falkland Islands on the local fishing industry.
Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
As a self-governing Overseas Territory, responsibility for economic development, including any potential seabed mining, is a matter for the Falkland Islands Government, in accordance with all relevant laws. The UK Government supports the right of the Falkland Islanders to develop their natural resources for their own economic benefit. This is an integral part of their right of self-determination. The UK Government continues to work closely with the Falkland Islands Government in a wide range of areas, including offering access to UK expertise when requested.
Written Evidence May. 20 2024
Inquiry: The UK Government’s support of education for Overseas Territories studentsFound: There have been strong historical links with the Falkland Islands, with many boarders coming to the
Feb. 18 2024
Source Page: Foreign Secretary visits Falklands IslandsFound: Foreign Secretary visits Falklands Islands
Asked by: Fabian Hamilton (Labour - Leeds North East)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of Argentina's acquisition of F-16 fighter aircraft.
Answered by David Rutley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Argentina's purchase of F-16 fighter jets does not change the UK Government's policies in relation to either Argentina or the Falkland Islands.
The UK is committed to upholding the Falkland Islanders' right of self-determination. As long as the Falkland Islanders wish to remain part of the UK family, there can be no discussions on sovereignty.
The UK undertakes regular assessments of possible threats so that our forces in the South Atlantic, which are entirely defensive, are maintained at the appropriate level to ensure the defence of the Falkland Islands.