Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

defences

The Falklands are getting ready for another Argentine invasion (just in case)

The UK’s defence minister believes there is a “live threat” from the island’s unhappy neighbour.

ARGENTINE PRISONERS : 1982 Argentine prisoners of war massed in Port Stanley, capital of the Falkland Islands, after their surrender to the British Falkland Islands Task Force. PA Archive / Press Association Images PA Archive / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

BRITAIN IS SET to boost military defences in the Falkland Islands in response to the “very live threat” from Argentina, the country’s Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has said.

He was speaking ahead of a statement to parliament where he was to announce the results of a review into the maritime and air defences of the South Atlantic archipelago.

Argentina claims sovereignty over the islands, which it calls the Malvinas, and launched an invasion in 1982. Argentine forces were expelled after a brief war, in which more than 900 soldiers were killed, and relations between the two countries have been tense ever since.

The Falklands War - The Royal Navy - HMS Antelope - Ajax Bay - 1982 A helicopter hovers overhead as HMS Antelope, still burning after an Argentine air attack. PA Archive / Press Association Images PA Archive / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

“We do need to modernise our defences there, to ensure that we have sufficient troops there and that the islands are properly defended in terms of air defence and maritime defence,” Fallon told BBC radio.

The threat of course to the islands remains, but so does our commitment to being absolutely clear that the islanders have the right to remain British and the right to proper protection by our forces.

He added: “The threat remains, it’s a very live threat, we have to respond to it and I am responding to it this afternoon.”

Any change in the Falklands defences is likely to be viewed as a provocation by Argentina, which in November filed a formal complaint following British military exercises carried out 350 kilometres east of its mainland.

The Falklands War - British Army - Goose Green - 1982 Steel helmets abandoned by Argentine armed forces who surrendered at Goose Green to British Falklands Task Force troops in 1982. PA / PA Archive/Press Association Images PA / PA Archive/Press Association Images / PA Archive/Press Association Images

Tensions have resurfaced between the two countries in recent years following the discovery of significant offshore oil deposits close to the islands.

Argentina wants Britain to agree to bilateral talks on the sovereignty of the archipelago. London maintains there is nothing to discuss.

The Falklands War cost the lives of 649 Argentine soldiers, 255 Britons and three islanders.

© – AFP, 2015

Read: Top Gear team forced to leave Argentina after anger over Clarkson’s number plate >

More: Falkland Islands residents vote to remain affiliated to Britain >

Your Voice
Readers Comments
96
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.