The British government reaffirmed its support for the Falkland Islands and its right to self determination as part of the recently announced Strategic Defense and Security review 2015, which pledges an extra increase £12bn of spending on defense equipment - part of London's £178bn overall defense equipment and support budget during the next decade.
Falkland Islands lawmakers have reacted with caution and expectation to the election of Mauricio Macri, ex Buenos Aires mayor, as Argentina's next president. He will succeed on 10 December Cristina Fernandez and twelve years of rough relations with Kirchnerism and constant intimidation.
Britain's David Cameron and Argentina's president-elect Mauricio Macri agreed to “strengthen relations” and “to pursue a path of open dialogue” between their countries after a phone call Thursday, Downing Street said.
The Falkland Islands will be attending the fourth meeting of the British Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) will be held in London on 1 - 2 December at Lancaster House, which will be hosted by FCO Minister for the Overseas Territories James Duddridge MP.
A recent formation of the Friends of the British Overseas Territories, FOTBOT, had an interesting participation at the British parties conferences this season with fringe meetings open to the public and panel discussions on political issues pertaining to the British Overseas Territories, including whether BOT's should have representation in Westminster.
The oil and gas operations being undertaken by Italy's Edison International S.p.A. on the Argentine continental shelf near the disputed Falkland Islands are illegal and clandestine, the Argentine Energy Ministry said Tuesday.
Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, MP Andrew Rosindel and Charles Tannock MEP, were among several personalities that visited the Falkland Islands stand at the Conservative Conference which is taking place in Manchester. He was met by Falklands lawmakers Jan Cheek and Roger Edwards, and Sukey Cameron, head of FIGO, Falklands' government office in London.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn statement that the Falkland Islands are 'negotiable', a position he has maintained since he was first elected to Parliament, not only triggered immediate reaction from veterans and Falkland Islanders when he was chosen earlier this month: in effect, senior members from the party, even those within his shadow cabinet openly express their disapproval of his views, according to UK media reports.
Bermuda Premier Michael Dunkley called for the British Overseas Territories (BOTs) to present a united front in key areas and for the leaders to work together to best represent the people of the region. Premier Dunkley opened on Thursday the Pre-Joint ministerial council which convened leaders from several BOTs including the Falklands MLA Roger Edwards, as reported by the island's Royal Gazette.
Leaders of British Overseas Territories will gather in Bermuda this week ahead of the Joint Ministerial Council. It’s the second time Bermuda has hosted the precursor of the JMC that will be held in London later in the year, reports the Royal Gazette. The Falkland Islands will be represented by Roger Edwards, Member of the Legislative Assembly.