Visiting the Falklands

Have you ever visited a military cemetery? In the United States on 4th July every grave, including those from the civil war, are decorated with an American flag. In France and Belgium military cemeteries stretch for miles and often have large monuments recording names of those without a grave from the two world wars.

Only since the Falklands war of 1982 have families of those who die in war had the opportunity to bring military personnel home for burial. Standing last week in the war cemetery in San Carlos Bay looking at the war graves and monument to those who died there was highly emotional. Looking at the names from the Welsh Guards I thought of how they had given their lives 8000 miles away so that the Islands could remain British.

I spent part of the Parliamentary recess going to the Falklands. Not an easy task. The Falklands are linked to the UK by twice weekly air bridge flights run by the Ministry of Defence out of RAF Brize Norton. The flight takes almost 24 hours with a brief refuelling stop at the Ascension Islands. The air bridge is the transport route for military personnel serving in the Falklands and for islanders travelling to and from the UK,

There are about 3000 Falkland Islanders and over 1000 military personnel on the Islands, which are said to be half the size of Wales. Last year they were visited by 63,000 tourists, the majority arriving by cruise ship, to see the Islands spectacular wildlife. Imagine North Cornelly, with its comparable population and size to Stanley the capital of the Islands, coping with 63,000 visitors a year. Imagine the rest of Wales having just 10% of the population, most of whom are sheep farmers, and you have the picture.

Everyone had three or more jobs because there are not enough people to do everything. The fisherman may also be a fireman and a tourist guide all in one day.

So why did those brave young men die to defend the Islands and why are the third highest concentration of British military personnel based there? As a member of the Defence Select Committee visiting the Islands was important.

Following the Falklands war a fisheries conservation zone was declared by Britain in 1986. The zone brings between £12 to £21 million in income from fishing licences to the Islands as most of the squid eaten in Europe is caught there.. The fisheries conservation zone has become a form of unofficial military exclusion zone between the British and Argentinean forces. The war did not end the Argentinean claim to the Falklands or the threat of invasion. Our forces make a clear statement of our continued intent to defend the islands.

During a visit to Mount Pleasant Airbase I was taken up in a VC10 to see mid air refuelling of Tornado fighters and Hercules transport planes. Mid air refuelling allows planes to maintain air cover sending a message of support to the Islanders. Flying Officer Brookes from Llantwit Major was the navigation officer on the flight. The Welsh links with the Falklands were intact that day.

The main income for the Islanders is fishing, agriculture and tourism. A third potentially large income is the main talking point of Islanders. The potential of offshore oil and gas reserves are to be explored. New technology and high oil prices now make these fields economically viable. Imagine the impact on North Cornelly of North sea oil and gas exploration off Kenfig.

As a Parliamentary Private Secretary in the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Falklands has for me, further strategic importance. Later this year the United Nations will discuss claims to the Antarctica. Britain has three overseas territories in the region, the Falklands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands. These three territories give Britain a vital voice in any future plans for an important concentration of clean water.

The Falklands remain of importance to Britain. The Islanders see themselves as British, the majority of children moving to Britain to complete their education once they reach 16.

For me the visit raised three issues. The potentially vital role the Islands could play in the economy and in energy security in years to come. This role brings with it defence and international relations issues.

Our armed forces are highly valued in the Falklands. People there know they owe their liberty and freedom to live in the way they choose to our military personnel. The war memorials are daily reminders in isolated communities who cheered as soldiers liberated them from imprisonment and fear. Veterans of the conflict return on indulgence flights on the air bridge, provided with free lodgings and given a tremendous welcome. The Islanders are aware of the trauma many suffered and continue to suffer as a result of the 1982 conflict. The war is over but the long term effects and responsibilities are understood.

This brings me to the big issue which I continue to mull over. What does it mean to be British and what are the values, and way of life it is important to protect, if great wealth and the outside world are coming your way?