UK responds to Argentina's Falkland Islands ultimatum as President threatens to 'recover' them in live TV address
The UK has stood firm in the face of a fiery statement issued by Argentinian President Javier Milei.
The leader - who has never been shy about sharing his thoughts on who the territory belongs to - reiterated his country’s claim to the Falkland Islands in a televised address in the early hours of Friday (4 September).
Milei did not mince his words and vowed to introduce sanctions for any oil companies working in the area, which is a move that will likely reignite tensions with the UK.
As well as warning that his country would defend its interests ‘with tooth and nail’, the 55-year-old said that his nation 'needs to recover' the Falklands, which are known as Las Malvinas in Argentina.
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The renewed tensions over the British overseas territory came after President Donald Trump hinted the US would not help the UK in a future Falklands conflict.
Despite the potential lack of support from across the pond, British politicians are sticking to their guns.
'Absolute and unshakeable' commitment to Falklands
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has said the UK will 'resolutely uphold' the self-determination of the Falkland Islands.
He wrote in a post on X: "The islands are British and will remain so because that is the overwhelming position of the Islanders.
"Their right of self-determination is paramount, grounded in international law and we will resolutely uphold it."
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting also stated that Britain’s commitment to the Falkland Islands is 'absolute and unshakeable' in the wake of Milei's contentious comments.
Following the Argentinian president's speech, Streeting said in a social media post: "Milei’s statement overnight tells us more about domestic politics in Argentina than it does about the Falkland Islands.
“The Falklands are British because Falkland Islanders choose to be British. Our commitment to the Falklands is absolute and unshakeable.”
In a 2013 referendum, the Falkland Islanders voted overwhelmingly to remain a British overseas territory, with 99.8 percent voting in favour. There were just three votes against.
Still, according to Milei, the archipelago should belong to Argentina.
"I want to be quite clear with everybody," he said during his speech. "The Falklands are Argentinian. Historically and legally.
"There can be no argument. They are part of the Argentine territory.
"The islanders on their usurped territory do not have a legitimate right to self-determination and any argument on any such self-determination is invalid."
He said the UK was facing 'multiple crises on multiple fronts' and announced that he would sign decrees to introduce sanctions against any companies working on oil production in the area.
Milei described the Sea Lion oilfield - which is owned by an Israeli and a British firm where production is expected to begin in 2028 - as a 'clear and present danger' to the country’s claims.
"If we do not act swiftly in a few months, they will have the material capacity to access the oil that lies underneath our sea," he said. "Something that has never happened before."
Announcing plans for a naval base in Tierre del Fuego in the south of Argentina, Milei also said that Trump and the US were 'assessing their historical position in regard to the Falklands'.
"That is not empty words as they understand that Argentina is a reliable partner and a valuable ally for decades to come," he said. "Our role and relevance as a country in the world has changed dramatically.
"The Falklands are our future – we need to recover these islands which are nationally relevant. There is no other path forward."
Trump appeared to suggest he would not back the UK in a fight over the territory when he was asked if he would 'come to the aid' of us if needs be.
Speaking to GB News, the commander-in-chief said: "Well look, I was there when they had the first war. That was a long time ago and I watched it so carefully, and you comported yourselves very well.
"You took it back pretty strongly, but it’s a long way away. That’s a big trip, it’s a long way.
"So, your country’s not doing well. Don’t forget, you get a big percentage of your oil from the Strait of Hormuz, and you weren’t there to help me.
"Your country was not there to help me. We didn’t need help, but I did ask NATO, and I asked your former leader, ‘Why didn’t you send a couple of ships?’
"He said we don’t have any, and it was pretty sad, the whole thing. So NATO was not there, even though they get – most of those countries get – a big portion of their oil from there. So we’re doing that by ourselves."
Downing Street said earlier this week that 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," a spokesperson said.
"The UK’s position is clear. The islanders have repeatedly expressed their wish to remain a British overseas territory."
Last week, reports emerged claiming that Trump's administration has ordered the UK to increase its defence spending, otherwise, the US will withdraw its support for Britain's sovereignty there.
Topics: UK News, World News, Politics
Olivia Burke