GALLOWAY ON THE FALKLANDS

Controversial Respect MP George Galloway recently made some interesting points regarding the Falkland Islands. Initially sceptical, I was surprised to find that he offered an alternative, yet rational respective on the Falkland Islands' future. Mr Galloway highlighted how the Falklands issue undermines Britain's valuable economic ties, not only with Argentina, but much of Latin America in the short-term. He also drew attention to how the global balance of power is shifting, meaning a repeat of the British victory in the Falklands War in 1982 is becoming increasingly unlikely in the face of a stronger and more united Latin America. Meanwhile support from the USA and EU is likely to be less straightforward for Britain in this scenario.

I believe Galloway's suggestion of bribing Falkland Islanders to relocate to Britain to placate Argentina would be humiliating for Britain, and unfair to the Islanders who would be forced to change their lifestyles due to the whims of politicians. However, his alternative idea of making more compromises and cooperation with Argentina over the Falklands seems much more pragmatic. As the issue of oil around the Falklands seems to have motivated the recent resurgence in tensions, perhaps it would be sensible to negotiate a share of the profits with Argentina, and maybe greater cooperation between Argentina and Britain when Falklands policies are likely to affect Argentina. This would sensibly alleviate tensions with Argentina, and improve Britain's ties with Latin America- and without humiliating Britain on the world stage. What remains awkward however is any concession of sovereignty, with Argentina wanting to make the Falklands part of their country; whilst the Islanders themselves want to remain entirely British, which seem to be mutually exclusive objectives. Hopefully the aforementioned compromises would be enough, though maybe some arrangement to demonstrate shared official control would be more accommodating, with an Argentine Governor working in partnership with the British Governor of the Islands.