: We are, Minister, this
month, marking the fortieth anniversary of the war in the
Falklands. And it's
important, I think, that, as a Parliament, we recognise the
contribution of Welsh servicemen and women in that campaign. I
met recently with the Government of the Falkland islands, along
with our Conservative colleague , and we spoke there about the
contribution and the links between the Falkland islands and
Wales. The British Legion in Ebbw Vale will be laying a wreath to
remember those who were lost recovering the Falklands, and
I'm sure, in communities up and down Wales and elsewhere, other
wreaths will be laid to ensure that we do not forget the
sacrifice and the loss of people who helped recover the Falklands.
Would it be possible, Minister, for the Government to ensure that
we have time here in this place to remember the Falklands
campaign, and to mark the fortieth anniversary of it? I think
many of us will want to join Ministers and others at the service
in Llandaff cathedral, but, at the same time, as a Parliament, it
is important that we mark this anniversary and we remember the
sacrifice of people who were lost.
(Minister for Rural
Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd): I think Alun Davies
raises a very important point, and the Welsh Government has been
working with partners right across the armed forces sector to
mark the fortieth anniversary of the Falklandsconflict,
and, of course, recognise the sacrifices that were made by many
Welsh service personnel. I know—I think it was last Sunday—that
the Deputy Minister for Social Partnership took part in a
Falklands 40 anniversary
bike ride. That started at the Falklands memorial at
Alexandra Gardens in Cardiff, and a group of veterans are making
their way by bike, over eight days, to Aldershot, in tribute to
all those who served in the conflict.
Alun Davies mentioned the service that will be held at Llandaff
cathedral. The First Minister will lead the Wales Falklands
40 service there, and I know, again, the Deputy Minister is
attending the Royal British Legion Falklands 40 service
at the National Memorial Arboretum.
In my own constituency of Wrexham, we're having a Welsh Guards
memorial service and reunion to mark Falklands 40, and I
know that wreaths will also be laid in the Falkland islands on
behalf of the First Minister during upcoming services of
remembrance.