Falkland Islands leaders have issued a strong warning to Nigel Farage after a Reform MP refused to rule out the possibility of sending asylum seekers to the territory.
In a statement to The Mirror, the territory’s Assembly criticized Mr. Farage’s party for misunderstanding the islands’ right to self-govern. This response came after Sarah Pochin, a close aide to Farage, avoided ruling out the deportation of migrants to the Falklands if their party gains power.
The Assembly emphasized that the Falkland Islands are a self-governing British Overseas Territory, responsible for all domestic matters, including immigration. They stated that any decisions regarding the territory should involve their consent, highlighting their constitutional status and right to self-determination.
The principle upheld by the Assembly is clear: “no decision about us, without us.” During a recent debate in Westminster Hall, Runcorn and Helsby MP Ms. Pochin refrained from ruling out the option of sending asylum seekers to British Overseas territories such as the Falklands or Gibraltar.
Gibraltar has already rejected taking part in any such plan, stating that immigration policy falls under the jurisdiction of its government, which opposes processing asylum seekers there as a matter of policy.
Although Nigel Farage has expressed intentions to deport a significant number of people within a specific timeframe, the logistics and costs of such a plan remain unclear.
When challenged by Labour MP Luke Charters to definitively rule out sending asylum seekers to the Falklands and other overseas territories, Ms. Pochin declined, leading to concerns described as “deeply troubling” and “deeply unrealistic.”
Ms. Pochin’s response to the question about asylum processing in Falklands and Gibraltar was a firm refusal to rule out any potential policy changes, declining further queries.
The Falkland Islands assembly emphasized their appreciation for the broad bipartisan support in the UK for the Falkland Islanders’ right to determine their future. They welcome engagement from UK parties and MPs seeking a better understanding of the islands, their people, and their governance system.
Following Ms. Pochin’s refusal to rule out the possibility, Labour MP Kevin Bonavia expressed disappointment over the potential use of the Falklands for dispersing asylum seekers, raising historical sentiments linked to the islands’ past conflicts.
