About Us
The Falkland Islands Association (FIA) exists to support the right of the people of the Falkland Islands to decide their own future and is made up of members who support that principle.
The FIA maintains close links with the Falkland Islands Government through its office in London as well as other Falklands-related organisations and charities. Its Newsletter is a high quality, colour magazine published twice per year which is distributed widely both in print and electronically to, among others: MPs, Members of the House of Lords, journalists, media organisations and embassies as well as FIA Members.
In addition, the FIA monitors political and press activity which may undermine the Falkland Islanders’ interests, rebutting hostile, inaccurate or misleading press reports. It stands ready to mobilise public opinion if it appears that the views of the Falkland Islanders may be set aside and their future decided against their wishes.
The Association was first set up as the Falkland Islands Emergency Committee in 1968 in response to secret negotiations between the UK and Argentine Governments which included the possibility of a transfer of sovereignty. It continued throughout the 1970s as the UK Falkland Islands Committee, mobilising UK public opinion against various ideas then being proposed such as condominiums and lease-back. In 1982 it helped to generate strong cross-party support in the UK Parliament for the expulsion of the Argentine occupying forces and for the future defence of the Islands. In 1984, the FIC was re-formed as a membership organisation, The Falkland Islands Association.
Who’s Who at the FIA
President:
Lord Hurd of Westminster CH CBE
Vice Presidents:
- Admiral The Right Honourable The Lord West of Spithead GCB DSC PC
- General Sir Peter de la Billiere KCB KBE DSO MC DL
- General Sir Michael Rose KCB CBE DSO QGM DL
- The Hon L Buxton MBE
- Dr. R Elgood FRAS
- Mr Alan Huckle
- Mr. D Tatham CMG
- Councillor R E Walker
Chairman:
Russell La Forte CBE MA BA
He is assisted by an Executive Committee which is responsible for all the Association’s activities.
Falkland Islands Association Stanley Committee
Chairman & Secretary:
ANDREW NEWMAN
Andrew is supported by a Falklands-based Committee which works closely with the Executive Committee
