Torbay MP Kevin Foster recently visited British Forces in the South Atlantic to meet those tasked with protecting the Falkland Islands and to hear more about their day to day work.
Since the Argentinian Invasion in 1982 the UK Military has maintained a permanent presence on the islands. Despite Falkland Islanders voting in a 2013 Referendum to maintain their status as a British Overseas Territory Argentina continues to pursue a claim to the islands.
Kevin’s visit was part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme that sees MPs and Lords volunteer to spend a year paired with one of our Armed Services. Kevin is linked with the RAF so meet with the Typhoon and Tanker Pilots who maintain a 24/7 alert that allows jets to be scrambled immediately to face any incoming threat. Kevin also spoke with the RAF teams who support the vital air bridge to the UK and services such as medical evacuation.
Whilst on the Falklands Kevin visited Darwin Hill and Goose Green, scenes of fierce fighting during the Falklands War. During the visit the seven parliamentarians taking part laid a wreath at the Liberation Memorial in Port Stanley to remember those who died in the 1982 conflict.
Kevin said: “Our military presence in the South Atlantic not only guarantees the right of the Falklands Islanders to self-determination, but gives our forces unique training opportunities that allow our troops to develop their capabilities.”
He added: “The most poignant part was visiting the battlefields where 35 years ago many made the supreme sacrifice to liberate the Islanders from Argentinian occupation. The gratitude of the islanders is clear and the greatest legacy of the heroism shown during that campaign is that our flag flies proudly over the communities they fought to liberate.”