‘Jeremy Corbyn is Falklands' biggest threat and NOT Argentina’ claims Defence Secretary
THE biggest threat to the future of the Falkland Islands is Jeremy Corbyn, according to Defence Secretary Michael Fallon.
Michael Fallon criticised Jeremy Corbyn on the future of the Falklands
Mr Fallon made the claims while on a trip to the remote archipelago to pay tribute to the fallen British soldiers during the Falklands War.
Around 1,400 British service personnel are still station on the South Atlantic islands following the war in 1982 against Argentina.
Mr Fallon made the first visit of any Defence Secretary in over a decade
However the Defence Secretary believes Argentina does not pose the biggest threat to the islands but in fact is the much maligned Labour leader.
He condemned Mr Corbyn’s remarks about Britain and Argentina opening negotiations on the islands’ sovereignty.
Argentina's previous President called for the islands to be returned
He said: "The biggest threat at the moment isn't Argentina, it's Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party who want to override the wishes of the islanders."
He added: "The issue is how we improve relationships with rest of South America and we have the election of a new government in Argentina that may open the door to that."
Mr Fallon is the first Defence Secretary to visit the islands in more than a decade and bowed before the Obelisk memorial in remembrance of the 255 Brits that lost their lives.
The history of the Falkland Islands
A handwritten note left on a wreath by the Defence Secretary read: "In grateful memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of these islands."
Former president of Argentina Cristina Kirchner left office two months ago repeatedly raised the dispute returning the islands to the South American country.
However, her successor Mauricio Macri has raised hopes of a thaw in relations with Buenos Aires.
"I hope that opportunity can now be taken," Mr Fallon said.
Argentina has maintained Britain has occupied the islands illegally since 1833.