Madam, – I was surprised to learn that a British explorer has been given leave by the Western Isles Council to plant a plaque on Rockall island, claiming it for the UK. This although Ireland, as well as several other countries, has laid claim to it as part of our territory, and the exploration and fishing rights that go with it.
Given that the matter is being put before a commission established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (April 1st, 2009), after the failure of international negotiations, it is premature and offensive that the UK would take such unilateral action and authorise one of its citizens to “discover” and claim the disputed lands for the UK.
Rockall is part of the Irish territories, and has featured in our folklore for centuries; the Irish Government must make its displeasure clear at the installation of any such plaque until the matter has been resolved under international law. – Yours, etc,