Huge UK backlash after Buenos Aires makes new declare on Falkland Islands
Alarming new claims by Argentina’s leader on The Falkland Islands triggers huge backlash in the UK as Britain brands its commitment to the South Atlantic territory ‘unshakeable’
British Type 42 Destroyer HMS Sheffield hit by Argentine missile 1982(Image: PA)
Argentina’s renewed claim on the Falkland Islands sparked UK political and military backlash today as Britain vowed its right to the territory is “unshakeable.”
Bolstered by President Trump reconsidering the US position on the Falklands, Buenos Aires leader Javier Milei claimed Argentinian ownership of the South Atlantic archipelago. In a national address he said the “winds of change” back his demand for the Islands and threatened to sanction firms exploiting oil close to the British territory.
He even cited signs that Trump may be ambivalent on the islands’ sovereignty after the US President hinted as much, because the UK has not fought in his war on Iran.
But Downing Street was resolute, saying its position is “unwavering” and that the Falkands Islanders’ wishes are “paramount.” Asked if Prime Minister Andy Burnham was disappointed by Trump’s comments, a No 10 spokeswoman insisted: “I think those remarks are a matter for the US President.”
She added: “US foreign policy is a matter for them, but our position is clear: the Falkland Islands are a British overseas territory and they will remain so as long as the islanders wish.” UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting underlined the Argentine leader’s turbulent position in Buenos Aires, which is marred by rising dissent and controversy.
He said: “Milei’s statement overnight tells us more about domestic politics in Argentina than it does about the Falkland Islands. The Falklands are British because Falkland Islanders choose to be British. Our commitment to the Falklands is absolute and unshakeable.”
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has said the UK will “resolutely uphold” the self-determination of the Falkland Islands. He said: “The UK’s position on the Falkland Islands is unwavering. The Islands are British and will remain so because that is the overwhelming position of the Islanders. Their right of self-determination is paramount, grounded in international law and we will resolutely uphold it.”
British Falklands War veterans branded the Milei outburst “nonsense,” including ex-soldier Simon Weston, 65, who was badly burned on the ship RFA Sir Galahad. He said: “He’s tanking in the polls, the country is in economic crisis – that’s what caused them to invade 44 years ago.
“Nothing has changed. And to sanction all the oil companies…is ridiculous, because they haven’t got a footprint in Argentina, they’re just empty words. They mean absolutely nothing. It’s just rhetoric and he’s just rattling the sabre again and unsettling the islanders and playing to the crowd as you can see in images there. That’s all great for him, that’s politics.
“But unfortunately for him his politics isn’t working for a lot of people in Argentina. And this is why he’s having to try and rally the troops, trying to create a cabal of nations in South America that will also support him.
“It’s just nonsense again, but he’s been emboldened by the fact of what Mr Trump has said. But it’s got nothing to do with Mr Trump. We’ve never shirked our responsibility, certainly not after 9/11 and we followed them into Afghanistan, into Iraq, into Kuwait. So, you can’t say we haven’t been there. But what we didn’t do was follow him into a war that really should never have taken place.”
Earlier Milei said: “I want to be quite clear with everybody. The Falklands are Argentinian. Historically and legally. There can be no argument. They are part of the Argentine territory. The islanders on their usurped territory do not have a legitimate right to self-determination and any argument on any such self-determination is invalid.” British and Argentinian troops fought a bitter two month war over the islands in 1982, after then military dictator Leopoldo Galtieri ordered an invasion of the territory.
It lasted 74 days and ended with an Argentine surrender on June 14, formally passing back possession to Britain, whose Prime Minister was Margaret Thatcher. In total, 649 Argentine military personnel, 255 British military personnel, and three Falkland Islanders were killed during the hostilities.
Trump had been asked if America would support the UK in the event of a conflict and answered that the UK had not agreed to join his war on Iran. He said: “So, your country’s not doing well. Don’t forget, you get a big percentage of your oil from the Strait of Hormuz, and you weren’t there to help me.
“Your country was not there to help me. We didn’t need help, but I did ask Nato, and I asked your former leader, ‘why didn’t you send a couple of ships?’ Trump said then prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, told him no vessels were available, which “was pretty sad.” He also said: “Nato was not there, even though they get – most of those countries get – a big portion of their oil from there. So we’re doing that by ourselves.”
Milei- whose government is facing corruption probes and unpopularity over massive health cuts- added that the UK was facing “multiple crises on multiple fronts.” He vowed he would sign decrees to introduce sanctions against any companies working on oil production in the area. Milei declared the Sea Lion oilfield, owned by an Israeli and a British firm where production is expected to begin in 2028, a “clear and present danger” to the country’s claims.
In a 2013 referendum, the Falkland Islanders voted overwhelmingly to remain a British overseas territory, with 99.8% voting in favour and just three votes against.
