Piccadilly Pulse: Are you worried about the situations in the Falklands?

By Mancunian Matters staff

Relations with Argentina hit a new low this week as Prime Minister David Cameron traded blows with his counterpart in South America over the future of the Falkland Islands.

Mr Cameron accused the Argentinian Government of adopting a colonialist attitude towards islanders, a jibe that was swiftly rejected by ministers in Buenos Aires.

He told MPs that he had convened a meeting of the National Security Council on the Falklands to ensure "our defences and everything else are in order.”

Mr Cameron added: "The key point is that we support the Falkland islanders' right to self-determination. I would argue that what the Argentinians have said recently is far more like colonialism, as these people want to remain British and the Argentinians want them to do something else."

With the 30^th anniversary of the last Falklands War looming, the latest “shadow boxing” – as one Government source described it – is worrying.

With that in mind, MM hit the streets to find out people’s opinions.

Are you worried about the escalating situation in the Falklands?

Roger Blatherwick, 48, unemployed from Whalley Range: “It is a bit of a worry because the last time we went to war with Argentina over the Falklands, both sides lost a lot of lives.”

Suzi Taylor, student, 22, Withington: “I’m not worried because I don’t think it will lead to another conflict. At the end of the day, it should be up to the islanders to decide.”

Stephen Devanney, IT consultant, 37, Manchester: “I remember the last conflict and I don’t think any of us want to see a return to that. The problem is that we have to stick to our guns so that is a worry.”

Geoff Lewis, window cleaner, 56, Fallowfield: “It’s not a massive worry because I don’t think it is anything more than a bit of horse trading. Neither party wants to back down but I don’t think it will come to much.”

Sandra Parkinson, secretary, 47, Salford: “I think the row is only flaring up because it is close to the anniversary. We cannot afford to go to war so I don’t think Cameron will put us in a position where we have to.”