MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Sir Nicholas re-elected chairman of UK/Falklands All Party Parliamentary Group

The Group chaired by MP Winterton consists of Members from all political parties in both Houses of Parliament interested in maintaining the security and economic prosperity of the Falkland Islands

Sir Nicholas Winterton DL has been re-elected unanimously and unopposed as Chairman of the United Kingdom-Falkland Islands All-Party Parliamentary Group – for the twelfth consecutive year – at the Group’s Annual General Meeting at the House of Commons on 13th July.

The Group consists of Members from all political parties in both Houses of Parliament interested in maintaining the security and economic prosperity of the Falkland Islands and their inhabitants.

Speaking following the well-attended AGM, the Macclesfield MP said: “Now more than a quarter of a century on from the liberation of the Falkland Islands by British Armed Forces, following the illegal occupation by Argentina in 1982, I am proud to have been re-elected unopposed as Chairman of the United Kingdom-Falkland Islands All-Party Parliamentary Group for the twelfth consecutive year.

“Greater recognition of the Islands and their proud people is needed. For example, I fully support the right for Overseas Territories Representatives to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in Whitehall on Remembrance Sunday each year.

“The Falkland Islands’ strategic role as a gateway to valuable mineral reserves and associated wealth increases each year. An anticipated hydrocarbon exploration program will begin later this year with a high chance of success in the Northern Basin.

“The United Kingdom must never let down her guard again, with Argentina threatening to use its troops in the Antarctic region to defend its interests.

“I am pleased that there have been two further next of kin visits with 200 family members of those servicemen killed during the 1982 conflict landing on the Islands on each flight.

“The Group will continue to play a particularly important and active role in fostering stronger links between the UK and the Falkland Islands and their loyal inhabitants. We greatly value the regular contact and close co-operation between the Falkland Islands representative in London, Sukey Cameron MBE, the Governor, members of the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly and the UK Parliament, and enjoy our discussions with Assembly Members on matters such as further developing the Islands’ economic prosperity, environmental protection, fishing, mineral exploitation, and security strategy, whenever they visit the UK. We also try to meet the Governor and Assembly Members whenever they visit the UK, and various members visit the Islands annually in return” concluded Sir Nicholas Winterton DL MP.