Sir John challenged the Prime Minister to confirm the Government will oppose Argentina’s efforts to prevent oil exploration authorised by the United Kingdom around the Falkland Islands. Sir John pressed for a firm commitment to defend the UK’s position, drawing attention to concerns over sovereignty and the Government’s approach to the strategically important Chagos Islands. The Prime Minister did reaffirm the Government’s support for the Falkland Islanders’ right to self-determination and for keeping the islands British and Sir John will continue to hold the government to account on this matter.
Debate Highlights
John Whittingdale Conservative, Maldon:
Unlike the Government’s shameful attempts to hand over the sovereignty of the strategically important Chagos islands, will the Prime Minister confirm that this time the Government will strongly oppose the case being made by the Government of Argentina to the international tribunal to try to stop the exploitation of oil reserves around the Falkland Islands, which is authorised by the United Kingdom?
Andy Burnham Leader of the Labour Party, The Prime Minister:
Indeed we will, and I am happy to make that clear again today. We will take the firmest of action to support the Falkland Islands—the right to self-determination of the islanders, who chose to remain British not so long ago. The Defence Secretary has met his counterparts to reiterate that position, and the Foreign Secretary too. I raised the matter with President Trump. There is no diminution in our strong support to keep the Falkland Islands British.