Falklands 'to determine own future'

The Falkland Islands must be allowed to determine their own future, Prime Minister David Cameron said today as he claimed a referendum on their sovereignty would end the debate over ownership once and for all.

Speaking in the Commons, Mr Cameron said the result of the referendum must be respected by the world, as he warned Argentina against making a fresh claim for the islands in the future.

He said that during last week's G20 summit in Mexico, he "emphasised the importance" of the planned referendum to Argentinian president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.

Mr Cameron told MPs: "The islanders have had to put up with endless attempts at endless summits to put a question mark over their future. They want to determine that future themselves.

"No one should be in any doubt that as far as the British Government is concerned, it is Falkland Islanders who will determine the sovereignty of the islands. I believe their view will be respected by this House, this country and by the world."

PA