The US is reportedly considering reviewing Britain’s sovereignty over the Falkland Islands amid reports of a memo – and the archipelago has issued a defiant response affirming the islanders’ right to self-determination
The Falkland Islands have responded to the United States following reports that a leaked memo suggested Britain’s sovereignty over the archipelago could be reconsidered.
The document is thought to have proposed that European “imperial possessions” might be scrutinised, which would encompass the British overseas territory in the South Atlantic.
A representative for the Falkland Islands Government stated: “Self-determination is a fundamental human right enshrined in article one, paragraph two of the Charter of the United Nations. In 2013, the Falkland Islands held an internationally observed sovereignty referendum, in which 99.8% of voters, on a turnout of 92 per cent, voted in favour of remaining an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom.”
They continued: “The Falkland Islands has complete confidence in the commitment made by the UK Government to uphold and defend our right of self-determination.”
Argentine President Javier Milei appears to be all for the idea from the US, making comments about the Falklands yesterday.
Speaking to Neur, Milei said: “We are doing everything humanly possible to bring the Falkland Islands back into Argentine hands. Sovereignty is not negotiable, but it must be done judiciously, it must be done with intelligence.”
A spokesperson for Sir Keir Starmer said earlier today: “We could not be clearer about the UK’s position on the Falklands.
“It’s longstanding, it’s unchanged. Sovereignty rests with the UK and self-determination is paramount.”
They added: “The Falkland Islands have previously voted overwhelmingly in favour of remaining an overseas territory. We have always stood behind the right to self-determination.”
He also mentioned that the UK has “expressed this position previously clearly to successive US administrations”, reports the Express.
When asked if he was confident that the UK could defend the Falklands, he responded: “That is not the situation we’re in. That’s a hypothetical.
“We’ve expressed our position before, we’ll continue to express that position,” the spokesman further stated.
“Sovereignty rests with us. Self-determination is paramount.”
Robert Midgley, spokesperson for Friends of the British Overseas Territories commented: “On the 44th anniversary of the Falklands War, it’s unthinkable that our closest ally would even consider shifting on the islanders’ right to selfdetermination.
“The Falklands have been British longer than Argentina has existed – and the islanders’ democratic choice must be respected.”
Patrick Watts MBE , 81, was the radio station manager in Stanley when the Argentines invaded in 1982. He bravely continued to broadcast after soldiers stormed into his studio.
He told The Express that the King needs to “step up to the plate”.
Mr Watts advised Mr Trump: “Please leave the Falklands alone. “We’re a peaceful community, a financially autonomous community that wishes to remain British, and there’s no desire to change to any other regime, or under any other country’s control. Leave us out of this equation.”
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