The UK's deal to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is “strongly supported” by the United States, according to the Government. In October, it was confirmed the islands would once again come under Mauritian control, although Diego Garcia would remain a military base for the US and UK, with Britain maintaining a 99-year lease over it.
Royal Navy and Royal Air Force pilots will benefit from a cutting-edge new cruise missile, following the first successful guided firing trial of the SPEAR missile. SPEAR, which is a next generation turbojet-powered miniature cruise missile, successfully completed the trial after being fired from a BAE Systems-operated Typhoon jet at Vidsel range in Sweden.
Several events over the last weekend seem to indicate that the last September understanding between UK and Argentina regarding South Atlantic and Falkland Islands interests, agreed by Foreign Secretary David Lammy and then Foreign Affairs minister Diana Mondino is beginning to make sense.
This week UK made official the fact that Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP was in the Falkland Islands to meet service personal, members of the Islands elected government, and also attend a Remembrance Day Service.
Plymouth has a long and rich naval history. It is celebrated as where Sir Francis Drake played bowls as the Spanish Armada loomed in 1588 and as a key embarkation point for invading Allied forces on D-Day. However, the city’s critical role in the Falklands War is perhaps less widely appreciated.
The Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly has announced the upcoming visit of Luke Pollard MP, the UK Minister for the Armed Forces, highlighting the UK’s ongoing support for the Falklands’ security and self-determination. Pollard’s visit, which includes attending the Remembrance Sunday service, is expected to reinforce the enduring relationship between the Falkland Islands and the UK.
Two British Members of Parliament have called on Parliament to clarify the future role of the British military in the Falkland Islands. A total of eight representatives have made the journey to the region as part of a visit organized by the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS).