THE Falkland Islands are to hold a referendum on whether to remain British in a bid to send a clear “hands off” message to Argentina.
Officials there said yesterday that islanders would vote early next year on the “political status” of the South Atlantic territory.
The announcement came as they prepare to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their liberation from Argentine invaders by a British task force.
The islands’ government hopes the referendum – likely to almost unanimously endorse remaining a UK territory – will settle the dispute over sovereignty after renewed claims from Argentina.
It is also expected to fuel demands in Britain for a referendum on the country’s membership of the European Union.
Gavin Short, chairman of the islands’ legislative assembly, said: “We are holding this referendum not because we have any doubts about who we are and what future we want, but to show the world just how very certain we are.
“We have thought carefully about how to convey a strong message to the outside world that expresses the views of the Falklands people in a clear, democratic and incontestable way.”
Observers will be invited ensure the process is fair, he said.
It will be the first official referendum on the islands, although an opinion poll in the 1980s found that 94.5 per cent wanted to stay British. David Cameron said last night: “It is up to the Falkland Islanders themselves to choose whether they want to be British.”
Tory MP Andrew Rosindell of the All Party Parliamentary Group on the Falklands said: “It will make it clear once and for all what the islanders want for their own destiny”
Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne, visiting the islands as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations, said: “Only the Falkland Islands’ people can determine how they wish to be governed, so I very much support this initiative.” Eurosceptics yesterday asked why the Government backed a referendum in the Falklands while denying UK voters a say on EU membership.
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