AGP Executive Report

Falklands Diplomacy: Mercosur has issued a Special Declaration backing Argentina’s “legitimate rights” in the Falklands sovereignty dispute, urging Uruguay to take a fresh approach at the UN to restart bilateral talks, while Islanders’ representatives have continued to press the case for self-determination at the UN. UN Push: The UN Special Committee on Decolonization has renewed calls for Argentina and the UK to resume negotiations over Malvinas, backing a peaceful, definitive resolution. Local Governance: A review into the Falkland Islands Government Air Service has been completed after external reviewers spent two weeks meeting Islanders, with findings that FIGAS is something the Islands should be proud of. Community & Sport: The Falklands’ annual sports awards were held at the FIDF Hall, recognising sporting achievements across multiple disciplines. Travel & Polar Interest: Quark Expeditions has launched its Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028-29 seasons, including a new guided photography programme and new expedition add-ons that feature the Falkland Islands. RAF Logistics (UK): East Midlands Airport will host RAF A330 Voyager aircraft from July to November while RAF Brize Norton undergoes maintenance, with only a minimal expected impact on local traffic.

Falklands Diplomacy: The UN’s Committee of 24 heard fresh Islanders’ calls for self-determination, while Mercosur’s 68th summit in Asunción backed Argentina’s “legitimate rights” and urged a renewed UN push for talks—setting up a clear clash of logics on sovereignty. Airbridge Disruption: RAF Brize Norton’s runway resurfacing will close it from 25 July to 15 November, shifting South Atlantic Airbridge flights to East Midlands Airport; the RAF A330 Voyager fleet will also operate from EMA (plus Prestwick and Stansted) during the works. Local Governance & Services: A review of the Falkland Islands Government Air Service has wrapped up its initial phase, with external reviewers saying FIGAS is something Islanders should be proud of. Community & Sport: The Falklands’ annual London parliamentary reception spotlighted the Islands’ sporting culture ahead of the Commonwealth Games, and the annual midwinter dip at Surf Bay raised about £840 for local causes. Polar & Travel: Quark Expeditions launched Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/29 seasons, including a new guided photography programme and expedition extensions that feature the Falkland Islands.

Airbridge Update: RAF Brize Norton is set to close for runway resurfacing from 25 July to 15 November, with South Atlantic Airbridge passengers rerouted via East Midlands Airport, where the RAF’s A330 Voyager fleet will be temporarily based alongside Prestwick and Stansted. Local Travel FAQs: The Falkland Islands Government has published expected flight timings and check-in guidance for civilians during the diversion period. Falklands Diplomacy at the UN: Two Falklands MLAs, Dorothy “Dot” Gould and Michael Goss, addressed the UN Committee of 24 in New York, pressing for renewed sovereignty talks and a visiting mission to the Islands. Self-Determination Push to Canada: The FIG has urged Canada at the OAS to publicly back Islanders’ right to self-determination, following a recent Ottawa lobbying trip. Community & Sport: The Islands’ annual London parliamentary reception highlighted Falklands sporting culture, while the annual sports awards recognised local sporting stars. Polar Tourism: Quark Expeditions launched Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/29 seasons, including the Falkland Islands in its Antarctic programme.

RAF Airbridge Disruption: RAF Brize Norton is closing for runway resurfacing from 25 July to 15 November 2026, with A330 Voyager aircraft temporarily based at East Midlands Airport (plus Prestwick and Stansted), and only a small rise in flights to/from the Falklands expected. Falklands Air Service Update: FIGAS review work has wrapped up its first stage, with external reviewers saying the Islands “should be proud” of the service. Salmon-Farming Consultation: The Falkland Islands Government has confirmed a two-week public engagement programme starting 27 July, with meetings in Stanley and Goose Green, drop-ins, and documents published 29 June ahead of an online survey opening 6 August. Sovereignty Push at the UN/OAS: Falklands representatives have been pressing for self-determination support internationally, including UN Decolonisation Committee addresses and calls for Canada to back the Islanders at the OAS. Local Sports Spotlight: The Islands’ 2026 sporting stars were honoured at the annual awards, with jerseys displayed ahead of the Commonwealth Games. Polar Travel Interest: AE Expeditions and Quark Expeditions both promoted new polar itineraries that include the Falklands, with limited-time offers and early season launches.

FIGAS Review: External reviewers have finished the first stage of a look at the Falkland Islands Government Air Service, meeting communities across the Islands and concluding FIGAS is something Islanders “should be proud of.” Community & Culture: Pangbourne Choral Society is bringing “Music Across the World” to the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel next Saturday (11 July, 7pm), with up to 20 works in 10 languages spanning every continent. Polar Heritage: A Royal Canadian Geographical Society-backed expedition is set to create a highly detailed digital record of the Shackleton-era ship Quest, and then survey Terra Nova, using underwater imaging to document wrecks without recovery. Falklands in the spotlight: Rockhopper says it has Falkland Islands Government approval for its Zodiac-linked deal, but Italian consent was still outstanding as of 30 June. Local fundraising: The annual midwinter dip at Surf Bay drew record swimmers, raising about £840 for local and wider causes including the Stephen Jaffray Memorial Fund and Cancer Support and Awareness Trust. Sports & diplomacy: The Falklands’ annual London parliamentary reception highlighted the Islands’ sporting culture ahead of the Commonwealth Games, while Islanders’ representatives continue pushing self-determination messages to international bodies.

Falklands Self-Determination Push: Falkland Islands Government is urging Canada to back Islanders’ right to self-determination at this week’s OAS General Assembly in Panama, after local MLAs met Canadian officials in Ottawa to seek public support. UN Decolonisation Update: Two Falklands MLAs also spoke at the UN Committee of 24, renewing calls for a visiting mission and arguing that Islanders’ democratic wishes should come first. Salmon-Farming Consultation: Dates are confirmed for a two-week public engagement starting 27 July, with meetings in Stanley and Goose Green, drop-ins across the period, and consultation documents published 29 June ahead of an online survey opening 6 August. Illex Season Close: The illex squid fishing season has officially ended, with catches described as low but not an immediate cause for concern, amid reports of reduced catches and higher fuel costs. Community & Sport: The Islands’ midwinter dip drew record swimmers at Surf Bay, raising funds for local charities, while the annual London parliamentary reception highlighted the role of sport in Falklands life. Polar Travel & Research: Quark Expeditions launched Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/29 itineraries, including a new guided photography programme that also features the Falkland Islands.

Falklands Sovereignty Push: The UN’s Special Committee on Decolonization has urged Argentina and the UK to restart Malvinas sovereignty talks, while Falkland MLAs are also pressing Canada at the OAS to back Islanders’ self-determination. Local Governance & Consultation: The Falkland Islands Government has confirmed a two-week public consultation on salmon-farming starting 27 July, with meetings in Stanley and Goose Green, drop-ins, documents published 29 June, and an online survey running 6 August to 30 October. Transport Update: RAF Brize Norton closure for runway resurfacing (25 July–15 Nov 2026) will route South Atlantic Airbridge passengers via East Midlands Airport, with revised check-in and flight timings. Sports & Community: The Islands’ annual London parliamentary reception highlighted sport’s role in community life, and the Falklands honoured 2026 sporting stars; meanwhile, a record midwinter dip at Surf Bay raised about £840 for local and UK charities. Economy & Industry: The illex squid season has closed with catches below the ten-year average and concerns tied to fuel costs, while Rockhopper’s planned sale of its Italian assets to Zodiac is still awaiting Italian regulatory consent despite Falklands Government approval.

Falklands Politics & UN Push: The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation (C24) has urged Argentina and the UK to resume Malvinas/Falklands sovereignty talks toward a peaceful resolution, while Falklands MLAs have been making the case for self-determination at the UN and urging Canada to back the Islanders at the OAS. Salmon-Farming Consultation: The Falkland Islands Government has confirmed a two-week public engagement programme starting 27 July, with meetings in Stanley and Goose Green plus drop-ins; consultation documents go live 29 June, an online survey opens 6 August and runs to 30 October. Illex Fishing Update: The illex squid season has closed, with catches below the ten-year average and fuel costs cited, but fisheries officials say it’s not an immediate cause for concern. Community & Sport: The Islands’ midwinter dip drew record swimmers to Surf Bay, raising about £840 for local charities, and the annual sports awards recognised 2026 sporting stars. Business/Industry Watch: Rockhopper’s planned sale of Civita is still awaiting Italian regulatory consent, though the Falklands Government has already approved the deal. Polar Travel: Quark Expeditions has launched Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/29 bookings, including a new guided photography programme and Antarctic itineraries that feature the Falkland Islands.

Polar Travel & Falklands: Quark Expeditions has launched its Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/29 seasons, with more than 70 departures and new add-ons including a Guided Photography Program (capped at 16), Expedition Extensions, a Northwest Passage voyage, and the return of “Tundra to Table” in partnership with Greenland’s Igapall—its Antarctic itineraries include the Falkland Islands. Local Sport & Community: The Falklands’ annual midwinter dip at Surf Bay drew a record number of swimmers, raising about £840 for local and cancer charities, with support including £1,500 from the Falkland Islands Company. Falklands in the Spotlight at UN: Islanders’ representatives have been speaking at the UN Committee of 24, defending self-determination and pressing for a visiting mission; separately, the UN Decolonisation committee has urged Argentina and the UK to resume sovereignty talks. Consultation Update: The Falkland Islands Government has confirmed salmon-farming consultation dates: public engagement starts 27 July, with documents published 29 June and an online survey running 6 August to 30 October. Fishing Watch: The illex squid season has closed, with catches down versus the ten-year average and fuel costs a concern, though officials say it’s not an immediate cause for alarm.

Polar Travel & Bookings: Quark Expeditions has launched its Arctic 2028 and Antarctic 2028/29 seasons—the earliest in its 35-year history—adding a new Guided Photography Program (small groups of 16), “Expedition Extensions,” a Canadian Northwest Passage voyage, and the return of “Tundra to Table,” with bookings now open for 70+ departures. Falklands Self-Determination Push: Falkland Islands representatives are pressing Canada at the OAS to publicly back Islanders’ right to self-determination, following recent meetings in Ottawa with Global Affairs and MPs. UN Decolonisation Update: The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation has renewed its call for Argentina and the UK to resume sovereignty talks over the Malvinas, with the committee adopting a resolution unanimously. Salmon-Farming Consultation Dates: The Falklands Government has confirmed a two-week public engagement starting 27 July, with documents published 29 June and an online survey opening 6 August through 30 October. Illex Season Close: The Illex squid season has officially ended, with catches down versus the ten-year average and fuel costs cited, but fisheries officials say it’s not an immediate cause for concern. Local Sport Spotlight: The Islands’ annual sporting awards were held in the FIDF Hall, celebrating 2026 sporting stars.

Falklands Diplomacy: Falkland Islands representatives have been in Ottawa and are now urging Canada to back Islanders’ right to self-determination at the OAS, as Argentina renews its sovereignty push over the British Overseas Territory. UN Pressure: The UN Special Committee on Decolonisation has called again for Argentina and the UK to resume Malvinas sovereignty talks, with Islanders stressing their 2013 referendum choice to remain British. Local Sports Spotlight: The Falklands honoured its 2026 Sporting Stars at the FIDF Hall, celebrating achievements across a wide range of disciplines. London Reception: The Islands’ annual parliamentary reception in London also put sport front and centre ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Salmon-Farming Consultation: The Government has confirmed a two-week public engagement programme starting 27 July, with documents published 29 June and an online survey opening 6 August. Airbridge Travel Update: East Midlands Airport will handle South Atlantic Airbridge civilian flights from 25 July to 15 November 2026 while RAF Brize Norton is closed for resurfacing.

UN & Sovereignty: The UN Special Committee on Decolonization has urged Argentina and the UK to restart negotiations over the Malvinas/Falklands dispute, calling for a peaceful, definitive resolution. Self-determination Push: Falklands MLAs have also been pressing Canada at this week’s OAS General Assembly in Panama to publicly back Islanders’ right to self-determination, pointing to Canada’s past support for other peoples’ choices. Salmon-Farming Consultation: The Falkland Islands Government has confirmed a two-week public engagement programme starting 27 July, with meetings in Stanley and Goose Green, drop-ins with Hatch and MEP, documents published 29 June, and an online survey opening 6 August. Transport Update: A public service announcement sets out FAQs for civilians using the South Atlantic Airbridge via East Midlands Airport while RAF Brize Norton is closed for runway resurfacing from 25 July to 15 November 2026. Fishing News: The illex squid season has closed, with catches down versus the ten-year average and fuel costs cited, though officials say it’s not an immediate cause for concern. Community & Sport: The Falklands’ annual parliamentary reception in London highlighted sport across the Islands ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Salmon-farming consultation: The Falkland Islands Government has confirmed a two-week public engagement programme starting 27 July, with meetings in Stanley and Goose Green plus drop-in sessions. Consultation documents go live 29 June, an online survey opens 6 August and runs for 12 weeks to 30 October, and paper copies will be available on request. Self-determination push at the OAS: Falklands representatives are urging Canada to publicly back Islanders’ right to self-determination at this week’s OAS General Assembly in Panama, following meetings in Ottawa with Global Affairs and parliamentarians. UN decolonisation briefing: Dorothy “Dot” Gould and Michael Goss addressed the UN Committee of 24 on 25 June, arguing for self-determination and renewing an invitation for a visiting mission to the Islands. Armed Forces Day links to the Islands: A London parliamentary reception ahead of the Commonwealth Games highlighted sport across the archipelago, while separate coverage marks Armed Forces Day with stories of local reservists and support for the Armed Forces community. Illex squid update: The illex season has closed, with catches reported down on recent averages amid fuel-cost pressures, though officials say it’s not an immediate cause for concern.

Falklands in London: The Falkland Islands Government hosted its annual parliamentary reception at the House of Commons Terrace Pavilion, drawing about 200 guests and spotlighting sport across the Islands ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Armed Forces Day: A flag was raised in Wokingham in a public show of support for the Armed Forces community, while Highland brothers Captain Angus Lapslie and Second Lieutenant Henry Lapslie shared how they balance reservist service with civilian life. Self-determination push at international forums: Falkland representatives urged Canada to back Islanders’ right to self-determination at the OAS in Panama, and also took the case to the UN’s Committee of 24, renewing an invitation for a visiting mission. Salmon-farming consultation dates set: A two-week public engagement programme runs from 27 July, with documents published 29 June, an online survey opening 6 August and closing 30 October. Travel disruption info: East Midlands Airport will handle South Atlantic Airbridge civilian flights from 25 July to 15 November 2026 while RAF Brize Norton is closed for runway resurfacing. Fishing update: The illex squid season has closed, with catches down versus the ten-year average amid fuel-cost pressures.

Self-Determination Push at OAS: Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly members Dorothy “Dot” Gould and Michael Goss have urged Canada to publicly back Islanders’ right to self-determination at this week’s OAS General Assembly in Panama, after meetings in Ottawa with officials and MPs. UN Decolonisation Case: The same two MLAs spoke to the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation (C24) on June 25, renewing an invitation for a visiting mission and making both personal and legal arguments for the Islanders’ democratic right to decide their future. Salmon-Farming Consultation Dates: The Government has confirmed a two-week public engagement programme starting 27 July, with meetings in Stanley and Goose Green, drop-ins across the period, documents published 29 June, and an online survey opening 6 August through 30 October. Airbridge Travel Update: RAF Brize Norton closure for runway resurfacing (25 July–15 Nov 2026) will route South Atlantic Airbridge passengers via East Midlands Airport, with check-in and flight timing details set out in a public service notice. Illex Season Close: The illex squid season has officially ended, with catches down versus the ten-year average and fuel costs a key pressure point, though Fisheries says it’s not an immediate cause for concern. Local Life & Learning: Falkland Islands students have begun boarding at Burford School, settling quickly into routines and routines in the boarding house. Sports Culture: A new piece looks at Argentina’s World Cup chant “Muchachos,” linking it to Maradona, Messi—and references to the Falklands War.

Self-Determination Push at OAS: Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly members Dorothy “Dot” Gould and Michael Goss have taken the Islanders’ case for self-determination to the UN’s Committee of 24, renewing an invitation for a visiting mission. Canada Urged to Back Islanders: The Falkland Islands Government is also calling on Canada to use this week’s OAS General Assembly in Panama to publicly support that right, pointing to Canada’s past backing for other self-determination cases. UN Decolonisation Argument: Lord Collins told the OAS that the Falklands question must be considered in line with Islanders’ democratic wishes, including their right to develop natural resources. Salmon-Farming Consultation Dates: A two-week public engagement programme starts 27 July, with meetings in Stanley and Goose Green, drop-ins across the period, documents published 29 June, and an online survey opening 6 August until 30 October. Travel Update for South Atlantic Airbridge: East Midlands Airport will handle civilian flights for the Airbridge from 25 July to 15 November 2026 while RAF Brize Norton is closed for runway resurfacing. Illex Season Close: The illex squid season has closed, with catches down around 30% versus the ten-year average and fuel costs rising, though fisheries say it’s not an immediate cause for concern.