I have been in the Falklands with a group of MPs and Peers. Now back in the UK.
The Falklands Islands Government put together this trip so we could understand the challenges this super little community faces.
Numbering just over 3,500 - they are more British than the British.
👉 Fishing & Agriculture - the community has prospered on the back of granting fishing licenses - they are now self-sufficient and prosperous.
👉 Argentina - the islands were invaded by Argentina in 1982 until tbe British retook the islands 72 days later.
The challenges from Argentina are now different but they routinely make lives more difficult in terms of connectivity, regional cooperation, and diplomatically.
👉 Ecological - the Falklands are
gateway to Antartica and are home to many rare and unique soecies. The UK operates a conservation zone.
👉 Military - the UK has a significant military presence in the South Atlantic - supporting the interests of the Western Alliance
👉 Cultural and History - the Islanders are British and keen to stress so. It was also an opportunity to remember those armed forces personnel who fought to liberate thebl islands kn 1982.
And i even met 4 Peterborough people who are now living in the Falklands.
