30 years on, PM promises to stand by Falklands
By Cassie Chambers
Britain's support for the Falkland Islands will not waver, prime minister David Cameron has promised.
In a statement marking the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War, Mr Cameron emphasised the historic ties between Britain and the Falkland Islands and the way these ties will continue to strengthen into the future.
"Our resolve to support the Falkland Islanders has not wavered in the last 30 years," the prime minister said, "and it will not in the years ahead".
Mr Cameron also called for the British public to remember the sacrifices of the service men and women who fought to liberate the Falkland Islands 30 years ago.
He added: "It's a time to pay tribute to the 255 UK servicemen who paid the ultimate price so that the people of the Falkland Islands could live in peace and in freedom.
"Their bravery reminds us that freedom is only won, and peace is only kept, because there are exceptionally brave people willing to journey to the other side of the world to lay their lives on the line."
Mr Cameron's statement comes on the heels of a statement by the Falkland Island's legislature yesterday announcing that the country will hold a referendum in 2013 to decide if it wishes to remain a self-governing overseas territory of the UK.
The British government supports this move, as it hopes the results of the referendum will send a clear signal to Argentina that the Falkland Islands wish to remain a part of the United Kingdom.
