Argentina President Javier Milei says his country needs to ‘recover’ the Falklands Islands – but Defence Secretary Wes Streeting says Britain’s commitment remains ‘absolute and unshakeable’
The UK Government has issued a response after Argentina President Javier Milei announced new punitive measures to be imposed on the Falklands Islands.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said Britain’s commitment to the Falkland Islands is “absolute and unshakeable” after Milei said his country needs to “recover these islands”.
Mr Streeting posted on X: “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.”
The post came after Milei reiterated his country’s claim on the Falkland Islands and said he would introduce sanctions on any oil companies working in the area “under the British occupation”.
“The Falklands are Argentinean. Historically and legally. There can be no argument. They are part of the Argentine territory,” he said in an address to the nation.
“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.”
Mr Milei said the Sea Lion oilfield, owned by an Israeli and a British firm where production is expected to begin in 2028, was a “clear and present danger”.
He added: “If we do not act swiftly in a few months, they will have the material capacity to access the oil that lies underneath our sea. Something that has never happened before.”
He was speaking after US President Donald Trump hinted the US would not help the UK in a future conflict over the islands.
Announcing plans for a naval base in Tierre del Fuego in the south of Argentina, Milei said Mr Trump and the US was “assessing their historical position in regard to the Falklands”.
“That is not empty words as they understand that Argentina is a reliable partner and a valuable ally for decades to come,” he said
“Our role and relevance as a country in the world has changed dramatically.
“The Falklands are our future – we need to recover these islands which are nationally relevant. There is no other path forward.
“It is the best way of paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for this cause. It is our obligation as a nation to honour their memory.”
Asked in an interview if he would “come to the aid” of the UK, Mr Trump told GB News earlier this week: “Well look, I was there when they had the first war.
“That was a long time ago and I watched it so carefully, and you comported yourselves very well.
“You took it back pretty strongly, but it’s a long way away. That’s a big trip, it’s a long way.
“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?’
“He said we don’t have any, and it was pretty sad, the whole thing. So 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.”