UK marks 30th anniversary of Falklands War

The UK and Argentina are marking 30 years since the start of the Falklands War.

It is three decades since Argentinian troops invaded the Falklands Islands and took control of capital Port Stanley.

The 74-day conflict killed 649 Argentinians and 255 British armed forces personnel.

The Government has marked the occasion by reaffirming the right of the Falkland Islanders to self-determination.

David Cameron said in a statement: "Thirty years ago today the people of the Falkland Islands suffered an act of aggression that sought to rob them of their freedom and their way of life.

"Today is a day for commemoration and reflection: a day to remember all those who lost their lives in the conflict - the members of our Armed Forces, as well as the Argentinian personnel who died. Today, we salute the heroism of the Task Force which set sail to free the islands.”

The Prime Minister said he was proud of the role Britain had played in “righting a profound wrong”.

He continued: "Britain remains staunchly committed to upholding the right of the Falkland Islanders, and of the Falkland Islanders alone, to determine their own future. That was the fundamental principle that was at stake 30 years ago: and that is the principle which we solemnly re-affirm today."

Foreign Secretary William Hague wrote in the Daily Telegraph that the recent aggression from Argentina was “deeply regrettable”.

“We should remind the world that in the years since their liberation the Falkland islanders have repeated - without qualification or equivocation - their wish to keep their constitutional status, their national identity, and to live peacefully with their neighbours in Latin America,” he said.

“As long as the people of the Falklands continue to express that view, the UK will defend and support their right to do so."

A memorial service was held in Portsmouth Cathedral on Sunday to mark the anniversary. The sermon was preached by Canon Roger Devonshire, who served for 24 years as a naval chaplain and was on board HMS Hermes during the conflict.

Reflecting on his service during the Falklands War, he said: “It was one of the defining experiences of my life, without any shadow of a doubt. It made me rethink a lot of things about life and faith.

“War is actually an intensely personal experience, but you go through it with people who are your friends, colleagues and comrades. You form some very close friendships with people, and for most people you’re fighting to support the person next to you and you don’t think about anything else.

“In that kind of situation, the chaplain represents some sort of normality, some values in a world where everything else seems to be upside down.

“I had a lot of admiration for the professionalism and courage of those who were serving on board. People had been trained to do a job and they got on and did it, even though in those days people joined the Navy not expecting to go to war.”

After the service, a Royal Marines band marched to the Square Tower, where a wreath was laid at the Falklands Memorial.

The memorial lists the names of those from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Merchant Navy who gave their lives to defend the Falklands.

The cathedral choir sang at the memorial site and there was a salute of veterans from the South Atlantic.

Cathedral dean, the Very Rev David Brindley paid tribute to the sacrifices made by members of the Forces and their families in defence of freedom.

“The Royal Navy in particular is very important to us as a city and to our cathedral,” he said.

“We stood alongside those naval families and supported them at the time, and we know that for many this occasion will be a reminder of their loss. But we thank God for those who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of others.”