Britain is prepared for "every eventuality" amid heightened tension over the Falklands, the Westcountry MP who will represent the country at 30th anniversary war commemorations has said.

Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne, Liberal Democrat MP for Taunton Deane, believes protecting the people of the Falklands is a priority.

His comments followed the announcement he will represent Britain in the South Atlantic islands in June to mark the anniversary of the 1982 conflict.

At the weekend, it was reported a Royal Navy nuclear submarine had been sent to protect the Falkland Islands from the threat of Argentinian military action.

It followed last week's announcement that HMS Dauntless, a Type 45 destroyer and one of the Navy's most advanced, had also set sail.

"We are always prepared for every eventuality," Mr Browne told BBC One's Sunday Politics.

"Argentina is a big powerful country – it's a member of the G20 most powerful countries in the world. It's got a population of 40 million people.

"The Falkland Islands have only got a population of 2,500 people, but we are determined that they should be able to decide their own future.

"Their future shouldn't be decided for them by the Argentinians and we're determined to up the principle of self-determination."

A Devonport-based nuclear Trafalgar-class submarine – either HMS Tireless or HMS Turbulent – is said to be making her way to the island.

Tensions between London and Buenos Airies have increased dramatically after months of sabre-rattling there over sovereignty of the disputed territory, which has been British since the 1830s.

The rows include the "insensitive" deployment of the Duke of Cambridge to the Falklands for a six-week tour of duty as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot.

Mr Browne said of the anniversary visit: "Some 255 British soldiers and three Falkland Islanders died in the war to liberate the Falkland Islands. Many others suffered severe life-changing injuries.

"The 30th anniversary will be a suitable occasion to mark their courageous sacrifice and celebrate the freedom of the Falkland Islanders.

"It will also be a very sombre occasion and is right too that we will remember the deaths of the Argentinian soldiers.

"I will be travelling to the Falkland Islands to represent the British Government at the commemorations.

"Britain continues to be committed to upholding the right of the Falkland Islanders to self-determination. It is an important principle that people should be free to decide their own future."