Downing Street Responds To Trump Falklands Dispute

Downing Street has hit back at Donald Trump after he suggested America could withdraw its support for Britain over the Falkland Islands.

The US president said he was “reviewing” his position on the British Overseas Territory.

Argentina claims the Falklands, which it calls the Malvinas, belongs to them.

That is despite the fact that a referendum in 2013, 99.8% of those living there said they wanted to remain British.

At the recent World Cup, Argentina’s players sparked controversy after unfurling a banner saying “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas” (the Malvinas are Argentine) after they beat England 2-1 in the semi-final.

America’s official position is that it is neutral on the islands’ sovereignty, which in practice means it supports the status quo.

However, it has been reported that the Trump administration could instead support Argentina’s claim because the president does not believe the UK is spending enough money on defence.

Asked on Monday whether he was reviewing the US’s position, Trump said: “I always review positions, and that’s one of them.”

Responding to Trump’s comments, prime minister Andy Burnham’s official spokesman said: “In the summer we set out our position very clearly and that hasn’t changed

“The Falkland islanders are British, with the right to determine their own future.

“They have expressed their wish to remain a British Overseas Territory and our commitment to them is unwavering.”

The comments put the PM on a collision course with the president as the pair prepare to meet at the United Nations general assembly in New York later this month.

The pair have spoken once on the phone, with Trump describing Burnham as “terrific”.

However, the PM has refused to say he trusts the president, and insisted he will be willing to challenge him if it is in the UK’s national interest.

He said: “I can’t at any point say that I won’t take a different opinion from him, that I will need to voice a different opinion that is right for Britain, and I will do that.”

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