Oral Answers to Questions

Nic Dakin Excerpts

Tuesday 22nd January 2013 Commons Chamber

[Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab)]

11. What recent assessment he has made of the UK’s relations with countries in Latin America.

[The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr William Hague)]

We are striving to broaden and deepen our relations in Latin America—after years of neglect, I have to say. There were 23 ministerial visits to the region in 2012. We have opened new posts in El Salvador and Recife, Brazil, and will do so in Paraguay this year. We will host the first UK-Brazil strategic dialogue in London on 4 February.

[Nic Dakin]

Now that the Falkland Islands Government have announced a date and wording for the referendum, what discussion have the Government had with Argentina and its South American neighbours about respecting the Falkland Islanders’ right of self-determination and the outcome of that referendum?

[Mr Hague]

Of course, we regularly discuss with countries all around Latin America the importance of self-determination for the Falkland Islanders and our absolute commitment to that. I believe that one of the most effective impacts on public opinion and Governments in Latin America in recent months has been the fact that Falkland Islanders themselves have been going to many countries and explaining the history of their islands and their attachment to self-determination.