STORY
The UK Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the Falkland Islands after Argentinian President Javier Milei claimed that international opinion was moving in favour of Argentina’s sovereignty claim. Milei said the “winds of change” were blowing around the world and argued that Argentina should continue its efforts to secure control of the islands.
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the UK’s position remained unwavering and that the right of Falkland Islanders to determine their own future was paramount. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the islands were British because their inhabitants had chosen to remain British, describing the Government’s commitment to them as absolute.
The exchange followed comments from US President Donald Trump questioning whether Britain remained prepared to defend the territory. Milei also warned that companies developing oil near the islands without Argentinian approval would be prevented from operating in Argentina. British and Argentinian forces fought over the islands in 1982.