UK PRIME Minister, Keir Starmer has sent a Christmas message to the Falklands saying he is “proud of the bond that we share as one great British family.”
‘I want to wish the whole of the Falkland Islands a very Happy Christmas.
It’s a special time of the year, and one that brings the whole of the wider British family together in shared celebration.
I’m extremely grateful for the warm welcome that you’ve extended to your new Governor, Colin Martin-Reynolds.
I’m proud of the bond that we share as one great British family.
And I’m proud of the strong sense of community that unites us all. I know that is a big part of who you are on the Falkland Islands.
I’ve heard about those taking part in the Island Games in Orkney this year; in the Falkland Games in November; the first ever Tri-Nations Test Match in Shearing and Wool handling with teams from Wales, Chile and the Falklands; and the launch of the new Falkland Islands Bank Notes which raised thousands of pounds for local charities.
More than that, I know there are thousands of acts of kindness, consideration and community spirit that make up life on the Falklands.
So, this Christmas, let me raise a glass to all Falkland community champions as I pledge my deep and enduring commitment to your right to self-determination and your democratic rights, as exercised in this year’s election.
These are rights that my own uncle fought for when he served aboard HMS Antelope in 1982.
So, to all the people of the Falkland Islands, and to the British Forces stationed there, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a peaceful and Happy New Year.’
