Donald Trump has said the United States’ position on the Falkland Islands is “one of many” under review, as he pressed the UK to increase military spending.
The US president said the UK has “got some problems, but they’ll get solved” when asked about defence funding as a follow-up question to his response on the Falklands.
It comes after The Daily Telegraph reported, external US defence officials were drawing up proposals to incentivise Nato allies to meet their spending pledges, with a threat to oppose UK sovereignty over the Falklands among the possible options.
The UK government responded by saying Falkland islanders “are British with a right to determine their own future”.
A spokesperson added: “The islanders have repeatedly expressed their wish to remain a British overseas territory and our commitment to them is unwavering.”
The Falkland Islands, in the south-west Atlantic Ocean, remain the subject of a sovereignty dispute between Britain and Argentina.
The two countries waged a brief but bitter war over the territory in 1982. A British military task force ejected Argentine forces, which had landed on the Falklands to stake a territorial claim.
The 74-day conflict led to the deaths of 255 British military personnel, three islanders and 649 Argentine military personnel.
Previous US administrations have formally recognised the UK’s de facto administration of the islands, but have not taken a formal position regarding sovereignty.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump was asked by the BBC if he was reviewing the US position on the Falkland Islands.
The president replied: “I always review every position. That’s just one of many.”
Trump’s remarks were labelled “nonsense” by Labour MP Dame Emily Thornberry, who chairs the Commons foreign affairs committee, as she asked the UK government to issue an official response in the House of Commons.
Foreign Office Minister Uma Kumaran replied: “The UK has no doubt about its sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.
“They are and will always remain a British overseas territory in line with the wishes of the Falkland islanders.
“The UK is steadfast in our support for the islanders’ rights of self-determination.”
Kumaran said she had seen Trump’s comments, adding: “Our position remains unchanged.”
