Asked by: Angus Brendan MacNeil (Independent - Na h-Eileanan an Iar)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, whether the Government has assessed the potential merits of permitting another EU member state to act as sponsor for the Falkland Islands remaining in the EU under article 355(3) of the Lisbon Treaty; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Robin Walker
The UK Government is responsible for the external relations of the Falkland Islands and it has been the long-standing policy of the Government not to alter the arrangements for the sovereignty of its Overseas Territories without the consent of their peoples.
As for the FalkIand Islands’ relationship with the EU, the Prime Minister has been clear that we are negotiating for an ambitious future relationship on behalf of the whole UK family and we want a deal which works for all the Overseas Territories. That deal must work for the Falklands too.
Asked by: Angus Brendan MacNeil (Independent - Na h-Eileanan an Iar)
Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :
To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the UK leaving the EU on the economy of the Falkland Islands.
Answered by Robin Walker
I most recently met the Hon. Teslyn Barkman, the Falkland MLA leading on Exit, at the 4th Joint Ministerial Council Overseas Territories EU Negotiations held on the 14th of June. Through discussions in this forum, supported by official contact, the Government understands the importance to the economic wellbeing of the Falklands Islands of their access to the EU market for fish and meat. The Government welcomes the substantive input we have received from the Falkland Islands’ Government as the UK prepares to exit the EU. The UK Government and the Government of the Falkland Islands also share a determination to make the most of the opportunities to expand into new, global markets that our departure from the EU creates.