# British Foreign Secretary Reiterates Falklands Support

> British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband reaffirms UK's commitment to Falkland Islands' self-determination after meeting with local assembly member Cheryl Roberts.
- Title: British Foreign Secretary Reiterates Falklands Support
- Summary: British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband reaffirms UK's commitment to Falkland Islands' self-determination after meeting with local assembly member Cheryl…
- Keywords: cheryl roberts, ed miliband, united kingdom, falkland islands, international court of justice, sea lion project, news, world, politics, British, Foreign, Secretary
- Source: MercoPress — https://en.mercopress.com/2026/10/01/british-foreign-secretary-reiterates-support-for-the-falklands-in-meeting-with-cheryl-roberts
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cheryl roberts, ed miliband, united kingdom, falkland islands, international court of justice, sea lion project, news, world, politics
## Meeting with Cheryl Roberts
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband hosted Cheryl Roberts, a Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly member, in London on Thursday, October 1st 2026.
## Reiterated Support for Falklands
Miliband stated the UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Falkland Islanders and remains steadfast in supporting their right to determine their own future and develop their own resources.
## Cheryl Roberts' Role
Roberts holds the Trade, Industry and Mineral Resources portfolio in the archipelago's government and announced the five-year extension of offshore hydrocarbon licences on September 21.
## Argentina's Arbitration Claim
Argentina claims sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and maintains that licences granted by the local government are invalid.
## 2013 Referendum Result
In the 2013 referendum with 92% turnout, 99.8% of voters chose to retain the status of a British overseas territory.
## Sea Lion Project Arbitration
Argentina announced arbitration against the UK over the Sea Lion oil project on September 28, giving London two weeks to halt exploitation.
## Key takeaway

British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stated the UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Falkland Islanders and supports their right to determine their own future and develop resources.