40th Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict

That the Parliament acknowledges that 2022 marks the 40th anniversary of the Falkland Islands conflict; considers that, on 2 April 1982, nationalist Argentine forces invaded and occupied the Falkland Islands, and that this resulted in a UK Task Force setting sail to recapture the Islands and restore freedom for the islanders three days later, on 5 April; understands that this involved 25,948 UK armed forces personnel, alongside around 3,000 civilian crew from the Merchant Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Chinese civilian crew, and that 255 died during the campaign, in addition to the tragic loss of three civilian Falkland Islanders; notes reports that, during the 74-day conflict between Argentina and the United Kingdom over two British dependent territories in the South Atlantic, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, more than 1,000 lives were lost; understands that this included 15 service personnel of the Arbroath-based 45 Commando and the 2nd Battalion of the Scots Guards; further understands that, following several weeks of intense fighting, Argentine forces surrendered on 14 June 1982, a date that has since been known in the Falkland Islands as Liberation Day, and is a national holiday there; acknowledges the reported statement from the Falkland Islands Government, that Falkland Islanders continue to be profoundly grateful for the strong support that the UK Government continues to provide, in acknowledging their choice to remain a UK Overseas Territory; considers that the people of the Falkland Islands continue to be forward-looking, with a strong sense of culture and heritage; commends what it sees as the immense bravery and fortitude shown by the Falkland Islanders and armed forces personnel amidst  the harsh terrain and conditions during the conflict; understands that the Falkland Islands Government is calling this special commemorative year “Looking Forward at Forty”; believes that, across the UK, many events will be taking place between April and June 2022 involving the UK Armed Forces, as well as many charities and organisations, including ASA Forces Charity, Poppyscotland and the Royal British Legion Scotland, and is enthused that a Falklands War 40th Anniversary event is planned in Edinburgh on 18 June 2022.