‘Sovereignty lies with Britain’: Starmer government rejects report of possible US ‘review’ on Falklands
The UK government has firmly stated that sovereignty over the Falkland Islands “remains with the UK”, countering reports that the United States may reconsider its stance on the disputed territory.According to Reuters, a spokesman for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain’s position was “long-term and unchanged”, stressing that the islanders’ right to self-determination remains central.
“We cannot say clearly… sovereignty lies with Britain,” the spokesperson said. He said that the US administration has been continuously informed about this stance.
Pentagon email raises concerns over US review
The response comes after reports of an internal Pentagon email suggested Washington could review its diplomatic approach to long-held European territories, including the Falklands, as part of broader options to pressure NATO allies over their stance on a potential Iran conflict.While the US has historically recognized Britain’s administration of the islands, it has avoided taking a formal stance on sovereignty, instead encouraging dialogue between Britain and Argentina.
Self-determination at the core of Britain’s stance
Downing Street reiterated that any decision about the future of the islands rested with their residents, who had previously voted overwhelmingly to remain an overseas territory of Britain.While officials stressed that external pressure would not change Britain’s position, Starmer said decisions would continue to be guided by the national interest and the principle of self-determination.
Argentina renews its claim on the ‘Malvinas’
Argentina, which calls the islands “Malvinas”, reiterated its claim after the report. Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno described the situation as a “colonial issue” and called for renewed negotiations for a “peaceful and definitive solution”.Buenos Aires has long argued that the islands rightfully belong to Argentina, a claim Britain has rejected, citing the wishes of the islanders.
long running dispute
The Falklands, a British overseas territory in the South Atlantic, has been at the center of a sovereignty dispute for decades.The issue escalated into the Falklands War in 1982, when Argentina invaded the islands before being defeated by British forces. More than 900 personnel were killed in the brief battle.Britain maintains that, apart from short-term Argentine occupation, the islands have been under its administration continuously since 1833.