Lets party like it's 1982

[boxofslice]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8529605.stm

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez reiterated his support for Argentina.

"We demand, and I think all of us should do the same, the withdrawal of the submarine platform, and that the English government... give that land back," he said.

The UK's defence minister said the government would take whatever steps necessary to protect the Falklands.

So, are we heading for another tear up in the South Atlantic? 

[Santa's Boyfriend]

Not with Venezuela, no.  But it doesn't surprise me that Chavez wants Britain to give the land back.  It's never actually been Argentina's, but that doesn't necessarily matter.

I personally think a joint soverignty should have been worked out long ago.  If oil hadn't been discovered on there I'd still be arguing for it, but there's clearly no point now oil production has become viable.  There's no question, we WILL go to war to protect it if necessary.  And unless the US is still training CIA agents in Argentina, they may well back us up this time.

[Beagle 2]

They couldn't though could they, just at the moment? It was an extremely risky, costly and difficult operation in the first place. The British Armed Forces are stretched beyond their capabilities as it is, and in terms of popularity at home a conflict like this is extremely unlikely to raise the support and tub-thumping that it did thirty years ago. It would also be counter-productive in terms of our international reputation, where in the original conflict it arguably (depressingly) boosted it. You can certainly see why Argentina would start making noises at this stage.

[biggytitbo]

it's relatively easy to go over and spank some Argies though, we all understand a good Argie bashing. All Gordon has to do is pop over their, sink a few boats and he'll win the election easily. Get a move on Gordo!

[Blumf]

Not that easy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exocet

[Uncle TechTip]

The Navy aren't doing much right now except looking for the odd pirate, so i say bring it on. These guys need regular exercise.

[sirhenry]

I personally think a joint sovereignty should have been worked out long ago.

Never going to happen because owning the Falklands gives us mineral/oil rights over a sizeable chunk of the South Pole. And once they allow drilling BP will be in there like lightning.

[rudi]

While we're in the vague area couldn't they invade a hotter, nicer place too? Somewhere I might like to visit on holiday? The Falklands are shit; if I want rock and inbreeding I just hop on the hovercraft to the Isle of Wight.

[TheWizard]

Never going to happen because owning the Falklands gives us mineral/oil rights over a sizeable chunk of the South Pole. And once they allow drilling BP will be in there like lightning.

Good post on this here

http://linksandanchors.wordpress.com/2007/11/07/antartica-dividing-up-the-spoils/

[Fry]

Wrong thread.

[biggytitbo]

In 1982, I got my foot stuck in a drain at school, and it got a bit infected and I had to go to school wearing a slipper and the other children called me 'old man'.

Please don't make it 1982 again.

[rudi]

3. Oil found in ma lavs (8)

[_Hypnotoad_]

Has anyone asked what the residents want?

[CaledonianGonzo]

Some nice fresh grass and a good, hard shearing every springtime.

[Blumf]

[switchbitch]

Oh fucking hell and here was I about to dig out my leg warmers and deely boppers. Still, at least I a'm too old to be "called up" now, which is what my mother threatened me with last time around.

[Shaun]

Has anyone asked what the residents want?

I think the penguins should have a say too. I wouldn't trust the Argies if I were a penguin.

[Tokyo Sexwhale]

In 1982, I got my foot stuck in a drain at school, and it got a bit infected and I had to go to school wearing a slipper and the other children called me 'old man'.

Please don't make it 1982 again.

Villa won the European Cup in 1982.  Bring it on!

[Tokyo Sexwhale]

While we're in the vague area couldn't they invade a hotter, nicer place too? Somewhere I might like to visit on holiday? The Falklands are shit; if I want rock and inbreeding I just hop on the hovercraft to the Isle of Wight.

Is Bermuda not good enough for you?

[Santa's Boyfriend]

Has anyone asked what the residents want?

From what I've seen they're characatures of British people, much like old colonial families living in Africa etc.  Saluting the flag, toasting the Queen etc.  They wouldn't accept Argentinian rule, which has always been the (publicly presented) argument for keeping the Falklands.

[MojoJojo]

Yeah, didn't Argentina offer all the residents money to reject their uk citizenship? Or did I dream that as well.

[sirhenry]

Yeah, didn't Argentina offer all the residents money to reject their uk citizenship? Or did I dream that as well.

Not sure about that, but we did offer (and finally give) them the right to vote if they stayed with us.

[Uncle TechTip]

Who is MP for the Falkland Islands?

[Blumf]

Who is MP for the Falkland Islands?

...only with more Union Flags