PC23: Falklands Oil Plan

[James Davies (LAB)]

I would firstly like to begin by fully condemning Argentine aggression in the Falklands and I believe that we must work quickly to de-escalate the rise in tension we see now before we put military personnel’s lives at risk.

To secure de-escalation, we need immediate diplomatic talks between the British government and the Argentine President. But rather than just hoping that things de-escalate like the Conservative Party seems happy to do, we need a proactive diplomatic approach.

It is integral that communication with Argentina is restored as soon as possible so that we can reach an agreement that protects the Falklands as a British territory, as they clearly wish to be through their Democratic referendum in 1986.

The top priority of the government must be to ensure that we do not get into any form of conflict that could put lives needlessly at risk.

[Bibi Lauria (CON)]

The Shadow Cabinet's position is very very simple:

They condemn the Argentinians for their aggression. They want to see the Falklands defended against the fleet. They don't think the UK sending ships to protect it is a top priority.

Or wait no, that can't be right – it'd be entirely illogical...

[Ruth Murphy (LAB)]

I would gently remind the Prime Minister that we have never said the UK sending ships to defend the Falklands is not a top priority. I am not privy to any military intelligence, but the government should take every step necessary to defend the Falklands from aggression: if that includes sending ships to protect the Falklands, so be it.

Where I do have some criticism for the government is that it is not being proactive in trying to deescalate the situation, which is desperately needed right now. In Parliament today, I asked the Foreign Secretary not once, not twice but three times to outline a plan to get back to the table with Argentina and reach a peaceful resolution which avoids bloodshed and defends the territorial integrity of the Falkland Islands. We did not receive one. 

I deeply encourage the Prime Minister to work with the Labour Party in the national interest instead of fighting us in the media. I also deeply encourage this government to come up with a diplomatic that works in Britain's interest, not a press strategy that works in the Conservative Party's.

[Bibi Lauria (CON)]

I am pleased that the Shadow Foreign Secretary disagrees with the assesment of the Shadow Education Secretary – who has heavily implied that sending ships to defend the Falklands is an unescessary move and 'escelation'. I hope that Labour will fully support this government's strategy to protect these islands, and drop the unspoken belief that we aren't dealing with aggression from a foreign power.

[Ruth Murphy (LAB)]

The Shadow Secretary of State for Education, Mr. Calvin Ward, has not commented once publicly on the grave situation we face. I do know he agrees with me, though.

[Bibi Lauria (CON)]

(my apologies - I meant James Davies because it's in his bio, but I got the year wrong)

[CWard (LAB)]

Since I got drawn into this by the Prime Minister- It is good and right that we defend the Falklands. However, my caution to the government is that we cannot abandon diplomatic solutions just to make a show of strength. That would be deeply concerning. If we want to lead in the world, we must lead proactively and with a target of peace not bloodshed. If aggression comes to us, if it cannot be avoided- so be it. But only when all diplomatic options have failed should we accept conflict.

[William Summer (CON)]

The Government must not be permitted to drag us into a totally unnecessary, avoidable war. Let me be very clear: no amount of oil or monetary gain is worth the loss of British lives. The new Prime Minister is untested, unprepared, and totally unequipped to deal with the challenges we now face in the Falklands. The British people do not need another war, and I implore the Government to see sense and avoid unnecessary violence.

[Bibi Lauria (CON)]

Let ME be very clear, Mr Black – no amount of threats, sabre rattling or bullying will convince us that it is 'worth' handing over the Falklands. If there is to be a conflict, and that ball is firmly in the court of the Argentinian government that has escelated the situation by announcing that they plan to invade British territorial waters and thereby break international law, then we will not hesitate to take all the action nescessary to protect all the peoples of this country. There can be no feet dragging.

[Edward Winter (CON)]

The decision to move forward with oil and gas extraction near the Falkland Islands is an assertive, positive and forward thinking decision which showcases this government’s ambitious economic agenda, and which regrettably has also showcased some of the most glaring flaws in the present opposition. Instead of celebrating a crucial step towards energy independence and economic sovereignty, which will undoubtedly benefit the British people – particularly the brave Islanders -, we hear hysterics about supposed consequences which aren’t real, some bits of the usual socialist paranoia, or an overall poor understanding both of the law and of bilateral agreements.
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It is indeed regrettable to see that the Argentinian government has chosen to take on a belligerent, provocative and ultimately irresponsible position against a perfectly legitimate – and sensible – step undertaken by the government. Ultimately, whether the Argentinian government likes it or not – and by the looks of it, whether some opposition MP’s like it or not –, this government will not hesitate for a moment to uphold our rightful sovereignty over the Falklands and our firm, unyielding duty to look both after the British people and the Islanders themselves. In spite of a wavering opposition incapable of taking an assertive stand, this government will not back down over a rightful decision.