Key facts
- Tory MP Tom Tugendhat told Donald Trump "don't be silly" regarding comments on the Falkland Islands and Irish reunification.
- Tugendhat suggested Trump's remarks were aimed at appealing to voters at home ahead of the US elections in November.
- Trump stated America's position on the Falklands is "one of many" under review.
- Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband affirmed the UK's "unwavering" position on the Falklands remaining British.
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also insisted the Falkland Islands are British.
The UK's shadow foreign secretary, Tom Tugendhat, has urged Donald Trump to "don't be silly" over his recent comments concerning the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands and the prospect of Irish reunification. Tugendhat, who was appointed to his role earlier this month, suggested that Trump's remarks were primarily an attempt to appeal to domestic voters ahead of the upcoming US elections in November.
Trump had previously stated that America's position on the Falklands was "one of many" under review and hinted that the US might not assist the UK in a future conflict with Argentina over the disputed South Atlantic territory. The UK and Argentina fought a war over the islands in 1982, which the UK won. Tugendhat emphasized that Britain's military presence in the Falklands is now significantly different from 1982.
Regarding Trump's expressed desire to see a united Ireland, Tugendhat characterized this as "plain old electioneering." He added that Trump was unlikely to take any action on the matter. In response to Trump's comments on the Falklands, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband reiterated that the UK's stance on the islands is "unwavering" and that they will remain British, reflecting the "overwhelming position of the Islanders." Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also strongly asserted that "the Falkland Islands are British" and that the continued connection is "of vital importance."
In other remarks, Tugendhat stated he had received no confirmation from China that its sanctions against him had been lifted and indicated that he would only visit China if there was a relevant discussion to be had. He also commented on the UK's sanctions against illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, suggesting Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband showed "weakness" by acting too quickly. Tugendhat also ruled out the UK rejoining the European Union.