HOW ARE THE FALKLANDS GOVERNED?
The building of Government House began in 1845 Q: How are the islands governed? Do they have an elected parliament, or an (elected) person representing their interests at Westminster? Mark Newbury, Tynemouth …and do Falklanders pay UK taxes? Mark Linehan, Cardiff, Wales A: The Falkland Islands are internally self-governing except for foreign affairs and defence. We have a legislative assembly consisting of eight members, elected for four years. They are responsible for passing laws and for the administration of the country, including the economy, health service, education and policing. The Falkland Islands are economically self-sufficient save for the cost of defence. Like other overseas territories we have a governor who is appointed by the Foreign Office for three to four years. Their responsibility is to be the conduit between the UK Government and the Falkland Islands Government (FIG), to consult with FIG on foreign affairs and defence issues, and to advise FIG on adherence to th
