The UK has reaffirmed its commitment to the security and
prosperity of the Falkland Islands, as the Minister for the Armed
Forces visited the Territory to commemorate Remembrance Day.
During the first visit to the Falkland Islands by a Minister from
the new Government, and as the first Defence Minister to visit
since 2022, MP met with service personnel
who play a key role in defending the UK's interests in the South
Atlantic.
The Minister also met the Governor of the Falkland Islands,
Members of the Legislative Assembly, and officials from the
governments of South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands to reaffirm
the UK's commitment to support security and prosperity in the
region.
At a poignant Remembrance Sunday ceremony, the Minister joined
residents and military personnel in paying tribute to all those
who have served in defence of the Falkland Islands and conflicts
across the world.
The Minister laid a wreath in remembrance of the 255 service
personnel who lost their lives in the Falklands conflict,
honouring the courage and sacrifices made by British servicemen
and women in 1982.
The ceremony highlighted the strong bond between the United
Kingdom and the Falkland Islands, with the UK remaining steadfast
in supporting the islanders' right of self-determination and
security.
Minister for The Armed Forces, MP said:
“The UK's commitment to the Falkland Islands' security and
economic prosperity is as strong as ever - from protecting the
region's incredible wildlife to upholding the islands right of
self-determination.
“I am honoured to have been able to join islanders and service
personnel as they commemorated those who sacrificed so much to
protect the Falklands.
“The UK stands with the Falkland Islands today and always.”
During the visit, the Minister met with service personnel
stationed on the islands, where he thanked them for their
dedication to securing peace and stability in the South Atlantic.
The UK continues to retain a strong defence presence on the
Falkland Islands, on land, sea and air, highlighting an
unshakeable commitment to the security of the region.
Minister Pollard visited HMS Forth, which patrols the sovereign
waters of the Islands, to meet her crew.
He also met personnel from the Royal Air Force's 905
Expeditionary Air Wing, which currently operates four typhoons as
part of a Quick Reaction Alert, which are poised 24/7 to
intercept any unidentified aircraft.
Alongside the RAF, the Royal Navy's HMS Forth patrols the region
seas, with their focus on reassurance and joint training
operations, search and rescue support, fishery protection and
general maritime security in the area.
On land, around 100 troops from 2 Royal Gurkha Regiment are
currently stationed on the island as part of the British Forces
South Atlantic Islands forward presence.
The Minister's visit serves as a clear message of the UK
Government's enduring commitment to the Falkland Islands and its
Overseas Territories, highlighting ongoing efforts to foster
regional stability and reinforce the UK's historical and
strategic ties in the South Atlantic.