On 2nd November I will be leaving on a visit to the Falkland Islands. As a member of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme I am particularly keen to meet our troops stationed at Mount Pleasant. I joined the army as a boy soldier and served with the Grenadier Guards in Northern Ireland, Kenya and Germany, so I know only too well the difficulties of being away from family and loved ones for long periods and especially in the run up to Christmas.
I am also looking forward to meeting the new Governor, Alan Huckle and local residents in Port Stanley who are increasingly worried about moves by Argentina to dismantle the sovereignty agreement set up between the UK and Argentina in 1990.
The Falkland Islands Government Office, who have kindly arranged our trip, has also arranged for us to visit the countryside – or ‘camp’ as it is known locally – to meet residents of a farming community and see some of the scenery and wildlife. The Falklands now attracts some 40,000 visitors each year.
I am absolutely committed to the Falkland Islanders’ right to self determination and wholeheartedly believe we owe it to these hardy and resourceful people to protect them from any outside threat.
Kings Langley Christmas Lights Festival
It’s hard to believe it’s that time of year again, but I am very much looking forward to joining villagers at the Kings Langley Christmas Lights Festival. It was a great evening last year and I really enjoy the community spirit found in the village. What a great way to start the lead up to the Christmas holidays!
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