Beckenham MP Bob Stewart

The Falklands are British and will remain British- this was the ‘clear message’ sent by an MP and former UN Commander as political tensions increase in the South Atlantic.

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Beckenham MP Bob Stewart made the comments during a Westminster debate about the UK’s future policy for the disputed territory.

During the 1982 conflict 255 British troops, 650 Argentine troops and three female islanders lost their lives.

Despite losing, Argentina continues to press for sovereignty of the islands and recently the Mercosur group of countries, which includes Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Paraguay, introduced a trade blockade by banning ships bearing the Falklands flag from docking at member nation ports.

Speaking during the debate on Wednesday (1), Mr Stewart said: “The Falkland Islands are defended by hugely capable royal naval assets at the moment. It is no secret that the Typhoon, one of the best multi-role aircraft in the world, operates from the all-weather airstrip. I will not go into the Army assets deployed.

“Let us be clear and send a message from this chamber today- keep your hands off the Falklands. They are British and they will remain British.”

Speaking about the war, he added: “Some of the Argentines were not that poorly trained. The Mirage pilots who flew in across San Carlos water and took out our ships were, in everyone’s estimation, not only brave but well trained. The Argentines, therefore, were not entirely poorly trained—some of the marines were not bad either.”

The government fell short of agreeing to introduce a law to ensure the islands remain British as MPs believe there is already enough protection in the United Nations and Falklands charters.

On Tuesday (28) the Ministry of Defence said it would be sending the £1bn Type 45 destroyer Dauntless war ship to the area shortly.

Prince William will be deployed to the islands for six weeks to fly search and rescue helicopter missions.

The Argentine government said it ‘regretted’ the fact he would arrive in ‘the uniform of a conqueror’.

Britain has owned the islands since the 1830s but the Argentine government claims it had prior ownership.