Argentina gives fresh warning to UK over Falkland Islands

Argentina’s president has issued a fresh warning to the UK over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, saying his country would defend its interests “with tooth and nail, no matter who it bothers”.

Javier Milei said he was preparing to make what he billed as a national announcement on Thursday night, saying the islands were “sacred” to his people and claimed his country’s national sovereignty had been “violated”.

On Tuesday, Downing Street said Britain’s commitment to the Falkland Islands was “unwavering” after Donald Trump suggested the US could review its position on the archipelago.

In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, Argentina’s president wrote: “We announce a national broadcast for Thursday at 9:00 PM on a SACRED topic for Argentinians... a historic claim of the Argentine people that to this day continues to see its national sovereignty violated.”

He added: “What more important and strategic cause for the vital interests of the nation could there be more important than the Malvinas cause?... We will continue defending the interests of the Argentine nation with tooth and nail, no matter who it bothers. LONG LIVE FREEDOM, DAMMIT...!!!”

James Cartlidge, the shadow defence secretary, hit back at President Milei, saying the Falklands “are British and they will remain British”.

“British soldiers fought and died to defend our sovereignty and the freedom of the Falkland Islanders. That sacrifice will never be forgotten, and we will always stand by the people of the Falklands and their overwhelming desire to remain British,” he said.

The US’s stance is formally neutral, although Washington provided support for Britain’s campaign to retake the islands after the Argentinian invasion in 1982.

However, reports at the weekend suggested the US could revise its position if the UK government does not increase defence spending.

Asked about the reports on Monday, Mr Trump told reporters in the Oval Office: “I always review every position. That’s just one of many.”

The next day the PM’s official spokesperson said the UK’s position on the Falklands was “long-standing and unwavering”.

“Sovereignty rests with the UK, and the islanders’ right to self-determination is paramount,” he said. “The UK’s position is clear. The islanders have repeatedly expressed their wish to remain a British overseas territory.”

Falkland Islanders voted overwhelmingly to remain a British overseas territory in a 2013 referendum, with 99.8 per cent voting in favour – and just three votes against.

But the issue hit the headlines this summer when Argentina’s football team controversially waved a banner in support of their country’s claim to the islands while celebrating their World Cup win against England.

Players held a banner after the semi-final match that read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas”, which translates as “The Falklands are Argentine”.