PC23: Falklands Oil Plan

[Redgrave]

Do you believe in oodles of oil for Britain or is Mrs. Lauria being a bit cheeky?

Closes 23:59pm UK on 21st Oct

[David Williams (CON)]

Britain's dependence on foreign oil makes her weaker on the world stage. By exploring our own national resources, Britain will improve her strength in international negotiations, and ensure that the supply of oil is never interrupted. This self-sufficient Britain will be better placed to make demands on oil-rich, human-rights-poor countries across the world without fear of predatory trading policies causing problems at home. Moreover, the development of the oil industry in our sovereign territory will create thousands of jobs which will pay well. This is a win-win situation for Britain and I am pleased to be a part of the government which has brought the plan forward.

[Bibi Lauria (CON)]

To the world that watches, our position is plain – the Falklands are sovereign territory of the United Kingdom, and Falkland Islanders are as equal as all other men and women of this land, and nothing less. Whilst there are those that wish to see Britain simply roll over and pander to the demands of a foreign regime, this government will never back down from its fundamental duty to protect the citizens of this country.

[David Williams (CON)]

Ruth Murphy and the Labour Party want a 'neutral arbiter' to arbitrate on a dispute over what Britain does in its own sovereign territory. Let that sink in: imagine the outrage if the South African government decided it didn't like that Britain was building a factory in Liverpool. Should Britain submit this plan to a neutral arbiter? The Government's oil exploration plan is not only in accord with international law: it is in accord with the 1989 agreement between Britain and Argentina. Labour do not want Britain to stand up for its own rights, to assert itself, even when we are right and they are wrong. Labour want a weak Britain; Labour want to pander to bellicose regimes; Labour want appeasement. Our Government offers strength, self-assurance, and assertiveness on the world stage.

[Brown (LAB)]

Whatever the Government would like you to believe, it is entirely reasonable to support our Sovereignty over the Falkland Islands *and* be concerned about escalating events that could bring about an entirely avoidable conflict at the same time. The Government must remember that we have a responsibility as international leaders to be examples of how to diffuse tension and stand up for our rights without provoking needless confrontations. I'm sad to say the Government's response so far has been lacking in this regard, and I call upon the Foreign Secretary to walk back his comments on the "unhappy eventuality of war" and ensure this matter is resolved peacefully while protecting the interests of the British People.

[Bibi Lauria (CON)]

It is very easy to resolve the situation peacefully – Argentina simply has to abide by international law.

[David Williams (CON)]

The Government is prepared, if necessary, to defend British sovereignty anywhere that it is threatened. At this time, it is under threat in the Falkland Islands. I will not equivocate: the Argentine government are the aggressors in this situation and whether we reach a peaceful solution is entirely up to them. Until then, I remain ready to entertain diplomatic avenues if and when Buenos Aires should seek to implement them. Until then, I am preparing for alternative courses of action should the Argentine government see fit to continue with its current belligerent and bellicose path. There is but one acceptable solution to this sordid affair: that Argentina accept British sovereignty and that means accepting British industry's investment in Falkland oil. Labour may want us to roll over and be bullied out of energy independence and good paying jobs, but the Conservative Government is made of sterner stuff than that.

[Brown (LAB)]

I would urge the Foreign Secretary to take care of using this tense situation to make a pitch to the voters about "what a Conservative Government is made of." The British people have had ample opportunities over the past 5 years to see what Conservative Governments have been made of. This is not--or at least--should not be, a question of party political interests. This is about protecting the Sovereign rights of the United Kingdom in the Falklands and protecting peace. Both are quite easily achievable, but I am concerned at the rhetoric I am seeing out of the Foreign Office so far filled with language that suggests that a war may be imminent.

[David Williams (CON)]

If a war is imminent then it is only because the Argentine government has failed to receive our continued requests for peace, rather meeting us with more and more belligerent actions. It was Buenos Aires who expelled the British ambassador; it was Buenos Aires who openly claimed the Falklands to be theirs; it was Buenos Aires who broke international law, and a bilateral agreement only three years old; and it was Buenos Aires who launched ships towards our coast. At a certain point in the peace process, nothing more can be done but to hope and to prepare. We are hopeful, but we are prepared. And we continue to respond to belligerence with efforts aimed at restoring peace and the status quo.

[Ruth Murphy (LAB)]

The government is completely right that the Falklands are British and the Falklands' resources are Britain's to enjoy, and the Labour Party condemns Argentina for this unnecessary aggression. 

The government must take the necessary preparations to ensure the Falkland islands are defended in the face of aggression, but it is crucial that the British government is also proactive in deescalating the situation. I encourage the government, if it is possible, to establish dialogue with Argentina with the overarching aim to establish an agreement which encourages peace and established Britains' oil and mineral rights, therefore protecting the Falklands' sovereignty and territorial integrity. I am happy to work with the government to achieve this if necessary.