Falkland Islands Garrison (Hansard, 26 October 1999)

§ Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The Government remain firmly committed to the defence of the Falkland Islands and the right of the islanders to determine their own future. There are no plans to make changes to the front line strength of our forces stationed there. We have concluded however that minor adjustments can be made to some elements of the Falklands garrison without diminishing our ability to ensure the security of the islands. These adjustments will reduce the number of servicemen and servicewomen stationed there by around 100. The first of these adjustments, the withdrawal of a contingent of Royal Engineers, took place in early September. The remaining changes will be implemented over the coming months. These changes are a further demonstration of this government's efforts to ease the burden on the armed forces where at all possible.