The UK has hit back after it was revealed the US was “considering reviewing the British claim to the Falkland Islands”.
Downing Street has responded after a leaked email internal to the US government suggested the US could “punish” the UK for its lack of support in Iran by reviewing the British claim to the islands.
This is just one option being considered by the Americans who are looking at getting back at NATO allies for their reluctance to enter the war.
Reports suggest that the US could even revoke Spain’s membership in the alliance, although this is unlikely.
In response to this news, the prime minister’s official spokesman told journalists: “We could not be clearer about the UK’s position on the Falklands.
“It’s longstanding, it’s unchanged. Sovereignty rests with the UK and self-determination is paramount.”
Asked if the UK has made that clear to Donald Trump, the spokesman said: “I wouldn’t get ahead of this, but our position is consistent.
“The Falkland Islands have previously voted overwhelmingly in favour of remaining an overseas territory. We have always stood behind the right to self-determination.”
He added that the UK has made its position clear to previous US administrations on the territory.
All this said, when asked if the UK could defend the Falklands confidently, he replied: “That is not the situation we’re in. That’s a hypothetical.”
“We’ve expressed our position before, we’ll continue to express that position.
“Sovereignty rests with us. Self-determination is paramount.”