Argentina does not have the military capability to invade the Falkland Islands, Gerald Howarth, a Defence Minister, has claimed.

Mr Howarth said that Argentina was “sabre rattling” and that the country would not repeat the “folly” of its unsuccessful 1982 invasion.

The British government has recently scrutinised its plans to defend the Falklands amid concerns over increased tensions surrounding the 30th anniversary of the war. The Duke of Cambridge is due to be deployed to the islands in the spring.

On Thursday, senior Conservative MPs questioned Britain’s ability to defend the Falklands in the wake of recent cutbacks to the Royal Navy.

However, Mr Howarth said that ministers were “very seized” of the threat posed by Argentina and insisted that the British military deterrent was “up to the task”.

Addressing Edward Leigh, a senior Conservative MP, in Parliament, the defence minister said: “You raise concerns which are widespread around the country, particularly in light of the sabre-rattling by Argentina. But I think it is very important that you understand that ministers are very seized of this matter.----


More from the Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/falklandislands/9042422/Argentina-doesnt-have-military-power-to-seize-the-Falklands-says-defence-minister.html