UK support for Falkland Islands 'unwavering' after Argentina restates claims, No 10 says
The comments come as Argentinian president Javier Milei says the "winds of change" favoured his country's claim on the British overseas territory.
The UK remains firmly committed to the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, according to Downing Street, despite Argentina's president reaffirming his country's claim over the territory. Prime Minister's spokesperson confirmed that the islanders' desire to remain a British overseas territory will be upheld, with the UK's military forces on constant standby to safeguard the islands.
Argentina's President Javier Milei pledged sanctions on firms planning to exploit oil near the islands, arguing that the Falkland Islands are "historically and legally Argentine." He described the Sea Lion oilfield as a "clear and present danger" and threatened to take material capacity to extract the oil if Argentina did not act swiftly.
Two oil companies, including Britain's Rockhopper Exploration and Israel's Navitas Petroleum, have secured licenses to extract oil from the Sea Lion oilfield, which is expected to commence operations in 2028. Milei also announced plans for a naval base in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, and claimed that the US is reevaluating its stance on the Falklands.
Meanwhile, the UK Foreign Secretary stated that the UK will "resolutely uphold" the self-determination of the islands, emphasizing that they will remain British.
Written by urgent.news from BBC World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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