Government asked if it retains Thatcher’s ‘steely resolve’ on Falklands

Conservative MP Sheryll Murray quoted the former Prime Minister during questions to the Foreign Office on the UK overseas territory.
Foreign Office Ministers have been asked if they retain Margaret Thatcher’s ‘steely resolve’ on the Falkland Islands (PA)
PA Wire
Claudia Savage12 March 2024
WEST END FINAL

Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories, opinion and expert analysis

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Foreign Office ministers have been asked if they retain Margaret Thatcher’s “steely resolve” on the Falkland Islands.

Conservative MP Sheryll Murray (South East Cornwall), who is Chair of the British Overseas Territory All-Party Parliamentary Group, quoted the former prime minister during questions to the Foreign Office on the UK overseas territory.

She told the Commons: “I remember watching the ships leave the Tamar and head to the Falklands over 40 years ago from my constituency.

“In 1982, our prime minister Maggie Thatcher said: ‘Defeat? I do not recognise the meaning of the word.’

“Does the Government retain that steely resolve?”

Foreign Office Minister David Rutley replied: “I’m young enough to remember those days as well, and yes the UK Government remains steadfast in its revolve to ensure that the Falklands Islands’ rights to self-determination is upheld and will continue to use all diplomatic means to this end.”

Defeat? I do not recognise the meaning of the word

Margaret Thatcher, in 1982

During his visit to the region last month, Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said he hoped the people of the Falkland Islands would want to stay British “forever” as he insisted a drive to improve relations with Argentina would not come at their expense.

Conservative MP Louie French (Old Bexley and Sidcup) asked the minister to clarify that “for as long as they wish to remain part of the British family, the sovereignty of the Falkland islands will not be up for discussion”.

Mr Rutley said: “The modern, diverse, economically prosperous Falkland Islands of today is a testimony to the Falkland Islanders’ achievement 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.”

DUP MP Gregory Campbell questioned if the minister had relayed those sentiments to the “Argentinian authorities”.

Mr Rutley responded: “We’re working for good relations with Argentina, but they’re very clear about our position in relation to the Falkland Islands.”

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in