UK support for Falklands "unwavering" as Trump reviews US position
Britain's commitment to the Falkland Islands remains "unwavering", Downing Street has said, after US President Donald Trump suggested the US could "review" its position on the archipelago.
Reports last week suggested the US could revise its officially neutral position on the islands' sovereignty if the government does not increase defence spending.
Asked about the reports on Monday, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office: "I always review every position. That's just one of many."
On Tuesday, the prime minister's official spokesman said the UK's position on the Falklands was "long-standing and unwavering".
He said: "Sovereignty rests with the UK, and the islanders' right to self-determination is paramount. The UK's position is clear. The islanders have repeatedly expressed their wish to remain a British overseas territory."
In a 2013 referendum the Falkland Islanders voted overwhelmingly to remain a British overseas territory, with 99.8% voting in favour and just three votes against.
Although the US is formally neutral, Washington provided support for Britain's campaign to retake the islands after the Argentinian invasion in 1982.
Asked whether the government was satisfied the armed forces could defend the Falklands again if necessary, the prime minister's spokesman said: "The armed forces protect the UK 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and our historic uplift in defence spending is delivering for our soldiers, sailors, and airmen and women, and the equipment they need to keep us safe."
By Christopher McKeon, Press Association Political Correspondent
Press Association: News
source: PA
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