Number 10 has been forced to clarify a recent claim made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who incorrectly stated that his uncle’s ship was “torpedoed” during the Falklands War. The confusion arose during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) when Starmer was asked about the future of the Falkland Islands.
Responding to a question from Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey about protecting British citizens fishing off the Falklands, Starmer said his uncle had nearly lost his life during the war, claiming his ship was “torpedoed defending the Falklands.”
However, Starmer’s comments puzzled many as no British ships were torpedoed during the conflict. Only the Argentine ship, the Belgrano, was hit by a torpedo. Following the confusion, Number 10 quickly clarified that Starmer had misspoken and meant to say that his uncle’s ship had been bombed, not torpedoed.
Starmer’s uncle had been aboard the HMS Antelope, a British frigate that was sunk during the conflict after being bombed by Argentine forces. The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of the Falklands, stating that they remain British and the issue is personal to him.
In past interviews, including one with The Telegraph, Starmer spoke of the ferocity of Argentine bombers, particularly in the area known as “bomb alley” near the islands. He also praised the bravery and sacrifice of British Armed Forces during the 74-day conflict in 1982, promising that the Falklands would remain under British control.
The issue of Falklands sovereignty has remained a key topic in Argentine politics, with current President Javier Milei working on a “roadmap to sovereignty” for the disputed territory. However, the residents of the Falkland Islands have made their position clear. In a 2013 referendum, 99.8% of voters chose to remain part of the United Kingdom.
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