The Falklands Debate

Overview

On Saturday 3 April 1982, the House of Commons held its first Saturday sitting since the Second World War. It was to discuss the invasion of the Falkland Islands by Argentina the day before. At the emergency debate the government unveiled its plan for a task force to retake the islands and return them to British sovereignty. Leading for the government was Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and leading for the opposition was Michael Foot. On its 30th anniversary, BBC Parliament replays the debate in full.