Defence Secretary Michael Fallon says Labour leader wants to "override the wishes of the islanders" following declaration that he wants dialogue with Argentina
By Ben Farmer, Defence Correspondent, in Stanley,/Puerto argentino
Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas
Jeremy Corbyn is a greater threat to the Falkland Islands than Argentina, the Defence Secretary has claimed.
The Labour leader’s declaration that he wants dialogue with Argentina to reach an accommodation over the Falklands would "override the wishes of the islanders", Michael Fallon said.
Mr Fallon said he hoped the election of a new president in Argentina would lead to a thaw in relations and more Argentine tourists visiting the islands.
"The biggest threat at the moment isn’t Argentina, it’s Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party who want to override the wishes of the islanders."Michael Fallon
Jeremy Corbyn
Paying the first visit to the islands by a senior cabinet minister for 14 years, Mr Fallon said he hoped Mauricio Macri’s election in December would strengthen trade between the countries and lead to closer cooperation on travel and fishing.
Mr Fallon said the islands had moved on since the 1982 Argentine invasion, but Mr Corbyn "clearly hasn’t".
He said: "The biggest threat at the moment isn’t Argentina, it’s Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party who want to override the wishes of the islanders."
Mr Corbyn prompted anger last month when he called for “dialogue” with Argentina over the disputed islands, which 255 British servicemen died to liberate in 1982
Mr Corbyn prompted anger last month when he called for “dialogue” with Argentina over the disputed islands, which 255 British servicemen died to liberate in 1982
He said: "I think there has to be a discussion about how you can bring about some reasonable accommodation with Argentina.”
Labour’s official position is that the islanders have the right to determine their own future, but there is concern in the party that Mr Corbyn wants to formally change the party’s position.
The Ministry of Defence is spending £180 million over the next decade to shore up the islands’ defences, by building new military accommodation, an upgraded jetty and a new power station.
The islands are defended by 1,200 military personnel, along with RAF Typhoon fighters, a missile defence system and Royal Navy patrol ship.
Mr Fallon went on: “The sovereignty issue was settled over 30 years ago and the Falkland Islanders have made their own choice very clear, in an overwhelming referendum, so that’s not the issue now.
“The issue is how we improve relationships with rest of South America and we have the election of a new government in Argentina that may open the door to that.”
Mr Fallon (left) passes Government House in Stanley with Falkland Islands Governor Colin Roberts (Scott Hornby)
Around 60 per cent of the Falklands’ £120m gross domestic product comes from selling licences to squid fishing vessels, but the islanders are trying to broaden the economy.
Mr Fallon said: “The long term aim is to diversify the economy away from the dependence on fish which means encouraging more tourism and cruise ships."
The election of Mr Macri could see the reopening of talks on managing fish stocks and “opening up more travel links across the region, not just with Argentina,” Mr Fallon said.
Around 60,000 tourists visit the islands each year, with many coming on cruise ships from South America. The trade accounts for about 15 per cent of the Falklands’ income, but islanders see tourism from South America’s burgeoning middle class as a source of strong growth in the future.
Mr Fallon (left) and Mr Roberts also visited Thatcher Drive (Scott Hornby)
Around 6,000 visitors each year are from Argentina.
Mike Summers, chair of the Islands’ legislative assembly, said: “It’s good for them to come here, it’s part of an education process, they are so highly brain washed about what’s here, about it being part of Argentina.”
"It’s good for us to have Argentines come here and see the place we have got and how we manage it and how it’s patently not Argentine."
Mr Summers said the assembly had invited Mr Corbyn to visit the islands so he could "properly understand our views on the right to self-determination".
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