The Falklands give Britain ‘yes’ vote, with few saying ‘no’

Falkland Islanders have chosen to remain British via a referendum

15:36 12 March 2013

Following a two-day referendum, citizens of the Falkland Islands have voted to remain British with a mass majority of over nine tenths of voters opting for ‘yes’. Out of the 1,517 votes that were cast, only 3 people chose ‘no’.

Falklands Governor Nigel Haywood commented on the decision, which was reached by a clear mile-stone. He said: “Obviously it is a major principle of the United Nations that a people have their right to self-determination, and you don't get a much clearer expression of the people's self-determination than such a large turnout and such a large 'yes' vote.”

News that the Falklands has chosen to remain British has been warmly welcomed by the UK government. Now it seems there are calls from some individuals for the decision to be welcomed worldwide.

Britain’s Foreign Secretary William Hague is one of those people, he said: “All countries should accept the results of this referendum and support the Falkland islanders as they continue to develop their home and their economy. I wish them every success in doing so.”

 

Mr. Hague added: “We have always been clear that we believe in the rights of the Falklands people to determine their own futures and to decide on the path they wish to take. It is only right that, in the 21st Century, these rights are respected.”

This comes following calls previously for there to be talks held over the Islands sovereignty. This relates to Argentinian President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and Britain’s PM David Cameron.

Being situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, the group of Islands are located thousands of miles away from British soil but are considered British Overseas Territory. The news comes over three decades after the Falklands War, which took place in 1982 and lasted for several months.