Listen to Baroness Thatcher's radio broadcast

Baroness Thatcher claimed today that British troops can emerge victorious in Iraq and Afghanistan by drawing on the "hope and strength" shown in the Falklands conflict.

In a radio message to mark the 25th anniversary of victory in the south Atlantic, the leader who took the UK to war with Argentina said the "same commitment" shown in that battle was needed in current conflict zones.

The 81-year-old's message was broadcast this afternoon to the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS), and beamed to the people of the Falkland Islands and British forces.

“The whole nation rejoiced at the success; and we should still rejoice,” she said.

“Aggression was defeated and reversed. The wishes of local people were upheld as paramount. Britain’s honour and interests prevailed.”

She said the Government was never at any stage sure what the outcome of the war would be.

“But of two other things I could be sure - first that our cause was just, and second that no finer troops could be found in the world than those of our country.”

Adding that modern day forces could learn from the Falklands conflict, she said: “The Falklands War was a great national struggle. The whole country knew it and felt it. It was also mercifully short.

“But many of our boys - and girls as well, of course - are today stationed in war zones where the issues are more complex, where the outcome is more problematic, and where life is no less dangerous. In these circumstances, they often need a different sort of courage, though the same commitment.

“So, as we recall - and give thanks for - the liberation of our islands, let us also recall the many battle fronts where British forces are engaged today.

“There are in a sense no final victories, for the struggle against evil in the world is never ending. Tyranny and violence wear many masks. Yet from victory in the Falklands we can all today draw hope and strength.”

Lady Thatcher added: “Fortune does, in the end, favour the brave. And it is Britain’s good fortune that none are braver than our armed forces.”

To mark today's anniversary Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, was due to join survivors of the Falklands conflict to pay tribute to their fallen comrades who died on June 8, 1982. A total of 55 British servicemen - most of them Welsh Guards - died when the support ships Sir Tristram and Sir Galahad were bombed on that day.

Overall, 255 British servicemen died in the Falklands War sparked by the Argentinian invasion of the islands in the South Atlantic in April 1982.

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