Falkland Islands: Defence
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has undertaken a recent review of the security and defence of the Falkland Islands; and what steps he plans to take to improve the adequacy of the preparedness of the UK to defend them.
Answered by Al Carns
The United Kingdom’s position on the Falkland Islands is long‑standing - sovereignty rests with the UK, and the Islanders’ right of self‑determination is paramount.
As the Strategic Defence Review set out, a core role for Defence is the protection of the UK’s overseas territories, which includes maintaining a defensive military posture in the Falkland Islands consisting of air, land and maritime forces.
We review that posture regularly to ensure it reflects all relevant developments. I am confident that our current military presence is at the appropriate level to ensure the defence of the Islands.
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