British ministers have strongly rejected claims by Argentinian President Javier Milei regarding the Falkland Islands, reaffirming the islands' British status and the inhabitants' right to self-determination. Milei had suggested that "winds of change" favored Argentina's claim, referencing comments made by US President Donald Trump that indicated a potential re-evaluation of American support for British control.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting dismissed Milei's statement as a reflection of domestic Argentinian politics, asserting that the Falklands are British because their inhabitants choose to be, and that the UK's commitment is "absolute and unshakeable." Education Secretary Lucy Powell echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the right of the islanders to determine their own future.
The diplomatic exchange follows remarks by Trump, who, when questioned about US backing in the event of an Argentinian invasion, alluded to the UK's past refusal to assist US actions against Iran. Trump suggested that the US might review its historic position on the Falklands' sovereignty, a move Milei highlighted in his statement, suggesting Argentina could be a valuable ally to the West.
Argentina refers to the islands as 'Malvinas' and has threatened to bar companies developing oil in the region without government consent from doing business in Argentina. Rockhopper, involved in developing the Sea Lion oil field north of the islands, saw its shares fall by 7% in early trading on Friday following these developments.