20 February 2012
This week George spoke in Parliament to champion the strategic importance of the Falkland Islands and the South Atlantic, in particular to energy security, climate science and the geopolitics of Antarctica. With the 30th Anniversary of the Falklands war approaching, George stressed the significance of these islands and the opportunities they continue to provide.
George questioned the Secretary of State on his plans for military deployments to the Falklands, and reminded him of the vital strategic interests the islands represent- namely energy security and the work done by the British Antarctic survey on climate change.
Just last week, David Willetts, the Universities & Science Minister, passed through the Falklands on a trip to the Antarctic, highlighting the continuing importance of British presence in this region.
George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): What plans he has for defence deployments to the Falkland Islands; and if he will make a statement. [95297]
The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): The Ministry of Defence routinely deploys a range of military assets in defence of the Falkland Islands and in fulfilment of our standing Atlantic Patrol, South task. Despite media speculation to the contrary, there has been no recent change to force levels. There is no evidence of any current credible military threat to the security of the Falkland Islands, and therefore no current plan for significant changes to force deployments. However, Her Majesty’s Government are committed to defending the right of the Falkland Islanders to self-determination, and plans exist for rapid reinforcement of the land, sea and air forces in and around the islands should any such threat appear.
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George Freeman: Does my right hon. Friend agree that the UK has important strategic interests in the south Atlantic, not least in energy security, the important work done by the British Antarctic Survey on climate change and the geopolitics of the Antarctic? Will he update the House on any discussions that he has had with our allies regarding the defence of the Falklands?
Mr Hammond: The defence of the Falklands is an integral part of our overall military tasks, and I regularly discuss the conduct of those tasks with our allies as appropriate.
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George questioned the Secretary of State on his plans for military deployments to the Falklands, and reminded him of the vital strategic interests the islands represent- namely energy security and the work done by the British Antarctic survey on climate change.
Just last week, David Willetts, the Universities & Science Minister, passed through the Falklands on a trip to the Antarctic, highlighting the continuing importance of British presence in this region.
George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): What plans he has for defence deployments to the Falkland Islands; and if he will make a statement. [95297]
The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): The Ministry of Defence routinely deploys a range of military assets in defence of the Falkland Islands and in fulfilment of our standing Atlantic Patrol, South task. Despite media speculation to the contrary, there has been no recent change to force levels. There is no evidence of any current credible military threat to the security of the Falkland Islands, and therefore no current plan for significant changes to force deployments. However, Her Majesty’s Government are committed to defending the right of the Falkland Islanders to self-determination, and plans exist for rapid reinforcement of the land, sea and air forces in and around the islands should any such threat appear.
...
George Freeman: Does my right hon. Friend agree that the UK has important strategic interests in the south Atlantic, not least in energy security, the important work done by the British Antarctic Survey on climate change and the geopolitics of the Antarctic? Will he update the House on any discussions that he has had with our allies regarding the defence of the Falklands?
Mr Hammond: The defence of the Falklands is an integral part of our overall military tasks, and I regularly discuss the conduct of those tasks with our allies as appropriate.
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