Britain might lose the Falkland Islands

[Blackfingers]

Think of the sheep.

[andy06shake]

I would say ask the native islanders and not the Kelpers.

There is no distinct pre-colonial indigenous population.

And the islands were uninhabited when first settled...

The "Kelpers" wish to remain British.

Problem solved i suppose...

As the islanders voted ""overwhelmingly"" in 2013 to do just that.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/falkl...ritory--12
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_Falkl...referendum

Next. 

[quintessentone]

We beat them last time they invaded and Argentina have a much smaller army since then- the Pentagon memo woint make any difference as the US has no authority or say in the matter if they were to enact it as a policy; it's more a poorly thought out kneejerk threat to UK and other NATO nations response to Iran 

Whoever wrote it hasn't thought through as they have no idea how NATO or democracies function (i.e Pentagon wanting Spain thrown out of NATO for publicly disagreeing with a non-NATO war and NATO having no remit to expel nations for being sovereign democracies enacting freedom of expression on non-NATO issues). 

There's more chance of it shooting the Pentagon in the foot if they did adopt it as policy as when Argentina invaded UK-NATO soil in the 80s the US refused to allow UK use of bases to defend itself from invasion while this memo/policy suggestion is retaliation for UK/NATO members allowing US to use bases for defensiive strikes in Iran but not offensive strikes so it would only prove NATOs point and harm Trumps claims that the US has always been there for NATO members.

Falklanders voted 99.82% to remain part of the UK with only three people voting to become independent from it and wbile our Navy does need to be strengthened we're even more capable in recapturing the territory by launching bombing raids from the UK than in the last war while Argentinas forces are small, largely part-time and nowhere near as well trained as the UK.

You gave us a very well articulated post and why wouldn't that small nation want more socialist-democratic government when they are doing so very well with zero public debt.

------

"The Falkland Islands' GDP was approximately $206.4 million USD (2015 estimate) and £254.7 million (2018 estimate).  In terms of purchasing power parity (PPP), the GDP per capita was estimated at $70,800 (2015) and $96,962 (2013), ranking among the highest globally.Key economic indicators include:

• GDP Growth: Significant fluctuations, with a noted 25.5% growth in 2015 and a 3.9% real growth rate in 2018.
  
• Economic Drivers: The economy relies heavily on commercial fishing (squid licenses), tourism, and agriculture (wool and sheep meat). 
  
• Debt Status: The islands maintain zero public debt (0% of GDP) and have no gross external debt."
  

[andy06shake]

Neither could most Americans

LoL 

Fair play.

The only reason we know where the place is was because of the war in the 80s.

[ArMaP]

LoL 

Fair play.

The only reason we know where the place is was because of the war in the 80s.

A small fun fact: although Portugal and the UK have the oldest active aliance in the world (since 1386), we call those islands "Malvinas", not Falkland. :)

[andy06shake]

A small fun fact: although Portugal and the UK have the oldest active aliance in the world (since 1386), we call those islands "Malvinas", not Falkland. :)

I seem to recall that name was another thing the BBC told us at the time.

Along with their location....

I was 7 when the Falklands conflict occurred.

To be honest its the first war i can remember.

[SomeStupidName]

There is no distinct pre-colonial indigenous population.

And the islands were uninhabited when first settled...

The "Kelpers" wish to remain British.

Problem solved i suppose...

As the islanders voted ""overwhelmingly"" in 2013 to do just that.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/falkl...ritory--12
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_Falkl...referendum

Next. 

Britain has 4 operation ships and it's a long way across some very dangerous water to the Falklands are you sure the juice is worth the squeeze?

[andy06shake]

Britain has 4 operation ships and it's a long way across some very dangerous water to the Falklands are you sure the juice is worth the squeeze?

The question has been answered.

Stop warmongering and calm down.

The Falkland Islands are just fine, same as the people who wish to remain British.

As to what im sure of, not much in this day of age if im being honest, not anymore. LoL

[SomeStupidName]

I thought the monarchy of U.K. had no real power over governmental/military operations (?)

They don't but it is well known that Trump likes the royal family and they do act as, or maybe are supposed to act like statesmen for Britain so the visit probably has a lot to do with repairing relationships between the 2 countries.

The Falklands situation in my opinion isn't an actual serious situation it's just more of a middle finger.

[quintessentone]

They don't but it is well known that Trump likes the royal family and they do act as, or maybe are supposed to act like statesmen for Britain so the visit probably has a lot to do with repairing relationships between the 2 countries.

The Falklands situation in my opinion isn't an actual serious situation it's just more of a middle finger.

The handshake says it all.