Outrage as M&S globe renames the Falklands
MARKS & Spencer has caused a rumpus by selling globes showing the Falkland Islands under their Argentinian name.
Critics said it was “a slap in the face” for the 255 British troops who died in the 1982 conflict over the South Atlantic islands.
The globes, sold in stores and online in two sizes for £39.50 and £49.50, list the British territory as the “Islas Malvinas” followed by “Falkland Islands” in brackets.
They also say the capital is “Puerto Argentino” with its correct name, Stanley, in brackets.
In brackets, too, is a line saying the islands are “claimed by Arg and UK”. Falklands veteran Simon Weston, 58, who was badly burned in the conflict, said: “For Marks & Spencer to be selling something like this is crass stupidity.
“It misrepresents fact and history. There’s no Puerto Argentino and there never was. The islands have never been settled by the Argentinians.
“If you’re going to provide an educational tool then it has to be factually correct. How can you educate when the globe is wrong and it is being sold in British stores which means British youngsters get the wrong information?”
Roger Edwards, who served with the SAS in the Falklands War and is a member of the islands’ legislative council, said: “These misunderstandings occasionally crop up and are the result of decades of Argentine misinformation.
“The name ‘Falkland Islands’ dates back to 1690, when the English sea captain John Strong made the first landing of the uninhabited islands, nearly 200 years before Argentina became an independent nation. Our capital has always been Stanley since it was established in 1845.” Retired police officer Andrew Magowan, who spotted a globe at an M&S in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, said: “It’s a slap in the face to the brave service personnel who died to liberate the islanders from Argentina in 1982.” Customer, Paul Swift, said: “It is extremely offensive.”
M&S said: “This is a decorative item. However, we take all customer feedback on board and we will review the product.”