A POLICEMAN and former marine has suggested the tensions over the Falkland Islands could be a ‘deflection’ from Argentina’s economic crisis.

PC Graham Jones, of Chester Road, Ellesmere Port, was just 17 when, in 1982, he travelled to the war-torn islands in the South Atlantic to join the battle to liberate the disputed land from Argentinian invaders. He was one of the youngest Royal Marines to take part in the conflict.

The 48-year-old who works as a dog handler at Blacon Police Station in Chester, waited three decades years before making his first trip back to the Falklands last year to mark the 30th anniversary of the conflict.

Now as Argentina and Britain still lie in dispute over the ownership of the islands, Graham said he agrees with David Cameron that the future of the Falklands should be decided by its inhabitants.

“I think the decision of ownership should be left it up to the Falklands people,” he said.

“Yes, although it is a British colony, it is the Falklands people that live there so we should leave it up to them.”

Argentinian president Cristina Fernandez published an open letter to Mr Cameron repeating calls for the islands to come under the sovereignty of her nation. But PC Jones says the issue is to do with Argentina’s economic crisis.

He added: “Back in 1982 they had the same problem with the government – their economics have slid and the country was in trouble.

“I think what the government are trying to do now, to reclaim the islands, is exactly the same thing that was going on last year when I was out there for the 30th anniversary.

“They are trying to show to their people that they’re trying to do something to deflect the situation from that.”

The Prime Minister insisted British resolve is ‘strong’ and said that fast jets and troops are currently stationed on the Falklands.