Post by Focus on May 12, 2013 8:14:38 GMT
A SENIOR Tory MP last night attacked “outrageous” claims that Europe does not recognize British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.
British islanders during the referendum
Andrew Rossindell hit out over a Spanish MEP’s grovelling comment to Argentine politicians in Buenos Aires during trade talks.
Daniel Filmus, head of Argentina’s Foreign Affairs Committee, called on members of an EU delegation to press Britain to begin talks about sovereignty of the South Atlantic islands.
Last night angry Mr Rossindell, a member of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, said: “The EU is encroaching on foreign affairs in a way that I find absolutely outrageous.”
He urged David Cameron to rush through the promised referendum on the EU before the next Parliament to help put a stop to the interference.
The row erupted as EU politicians visited Argentina last week in an attempt to rekindle trade agreements with the country.
Mr Filmus told them: “To advance in the strengthening of the accords it would be beneficial if the EU would commit itself to help.” He said he wanted the UK to enter dialogue “on the Malvinas question”.
The comment about the Falklands has outraged many in the UK
Despite the Falkland islanders’ overwhelming vote in March to stay British, Spanish MEP Luis Yanez, head of the EU delegation, replied that for the European parliament: “British sovereignty over the islands as such is not accepted.”
Mr Rossindell, MP for Romford, Essex, said: “The EU again is giving the impression that it has some influence and power over things which rightly are British Government domain.
"This is yet another reason why Cameron must bring forward this referendum so Britain can reassert its independence and prevent the diminishing of our own power and sovereignty over issues that should rightly be decided by British people.”
Last night Major-General Julian Thompson, who led 3 Para during the 1982 Falklands war, said: “MEPs have no right to make such statements.
“Some might ask what right Spain has to hold colonies in Africa, for instance. The will of Falkland islanders has been clearly expressed and it should be respected.”
Ukip MEP William Darmouth said: “It is almost unbelievable that a politician from another country considers it appropriate to make unhelpful and hostile comments about Britain’s internal affairs. Spain still holds its own conclaves in Africa claimed by the kingdom of Morocco.
“You can’t imagine a British politician going to Morocco and making similar comments.”
The EU need to fck off out of it - the Falkland Islands are British ... just ask the Islanders! - Fx
