Claim Jeremy Corbyn backs '˜Northern Ireland-style deal' for Falklands

Jeremy Corbyn has told Argentinian diplomats he wants a Northern Ireland-style power-sharing deal for the Falkland Islands, according to reports.
Jeremy Corbyn is said to have told Argentinian ambassador Alicia Castro that dialogue is possible and attitudes are beginning to changeJeremy Corbyn is said to have told Argentinian ambassador Alicia Castro that dialogue is possible and attitudes are beginning to change
Jeremy Corbyn is said to have told Argentinian ambassador Alicia Castro that dialogue is possible and attitudes are beginning to change

Outgoing ambassador Alicia Castro said the Labour leader “shares our concerns” and “in short, he is one of ours”.

In an interview published on the Argentinian embassy’s website, she said Mr Corbyn had visited the Argentinian embassy in London and was “friendly and humorous”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“He is saying that dialogue (is) possible and that attitudes are beginning to change, that what was achieved in Northern Ireland can be achieved also here,” she said.

Alicia Castro said Jeremy Corbyn 'shares our concerns'Alicia Castro said Jeremy Corbyn 'shares our concerns'
Alicia Castro said Jeremy Corbyn 'shares our concerns'

“His decisive leadership can guide the British public opinion to promote dialogue between the governments of the United Kingdom and Argentina.”

The Labour leader sparked controversy in a television interview last week by saying he wanted discussions on ‘’some reasonable accommodation’’ with Argentina.

While saying the islanders should have an ‘’enormous say’’ in any discussions on their future, he stopped short of saying they should have a veto over any new arrangements.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A shift in Labour policy on the future of the Falklands would inevitably inflame tensions between the leadership and those on the right of the party.

Alicia Castro said Jeremy Corbyn 'shares our concerns'Alicia Castro said Jeremy Corbyn 'shares our concerns'
Alicia Castro said Jeremy Corbyn 'shares our concerns'

Shadow foreign secretary Hilary Benn made clear his opposition to such a move.

Asked whether Mr Benn would support a plan for a power-sharing deal, a spokesman told The Sunday Telegraph: “No. The Labour Party policy remains that the people of the Falkland Islands have the right to determine their own future.”

“We are committed to upholding the right of the Falkland Islanders to self-determination, including by ensuring the defence of the Islands. Hilary is not aware of any proposals for what you have called a ‘power-sharing deal’ in regard to the Falklands,” he added.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Corbyn faced barracking over his comments from Tory MPs at Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons last week.

DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds raised the issue with the Prime Minister. David Cameron reaffirmed the Government’s support for the islanders’ right to self-determination and rejection of Argentina’s claim to the Falklands, which Buenos Aires has maintained since the 1982 war.

Speaking last week, Mr Dodds said that Mr Corbyn’s position on the issue was “deeply worrying”.

He said: “For an alternative Prime Minister to be stating that he would not allow the islanders the ultimate say upon their constitutional future is a sad indication of what the main opposition party has been reduced to under his leadership.”