MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

United Kingdom Election: June 7th Official. Tony Blair Asks for New Mandate.

The United Kingdom general election has been officially declared for June 7th. The Prime Minister, Tony Blair, announced the date after seeking the Queen's approval for the dissolution of the present Parliament, in which the Labour Party has for four years enjoyed an overwhelming majority, won in May 1997. This ended 18 years of Conservative Party rule under Margaret Thatcher and John Major.

All the opinion polls predict another huge majority for Tony Blair's Labour Party. Announcing the election date in the unique setting of a London school, with an audience of schoolchildren too young to vote, Mr Blair said he sought a new mandate in a spirit of "humility and hope". He said he wanted to win not just votes but the "hearts and minds" of the electorate, to build on foundations already laid for a radical programme, with much yet to be done.

The Opposition Conservative Party Leader, William Hague, who succeeded John Major after the 1997 defeat, has called for change, accusing the Labour Government of failure to fulfil its promises. Apart from the argument over Britain's role in the European Union and whether it should abandon the pound sterling for the Euro currency, foreign affairs will not feature prominently in the month-long election campaign. The major issues will be health services and education, the economy and taxes, combating crime, preservation of the environment, controlling immigration, and improving transport services.

Contest Will Not Affect Falklands or Latin America Policies

Whichever party wins, the Falklands Islands have been consistently re-assured of United Kingdom support for their right to self-determination and in safeguarding their security in the face of Argentina's continuing sovereignty claim. Both main parties are agreed on this.

The Labour Party made clear immediately before and after the last election that it favoured talks with Argentina to promote closer links and co-operation on vital economic issues such as fishing and oil exploration, while insisting that sovereignty is not negotiable as did the former Conservative Government.

Four years of Labour Government have seen radical developments in improving relations with Argentina, with visits to Britain by former Argentine President Menem and to Argentina by Prince Charles; the end of the 17-year ban since the 1982 Conflict on general visits to the Falklands by Argentine citizens; the resumption of direct flights; and an Argentine promise to co-operate to conserve South Atlantic fish stocks and take steps to prevent illegal fishing, which are vital factors in Falkland Islands economic prosperity.