Donald Trump could oppose Britain's claim to the Falkland Islands if Prime Minister Andy Burnham does not increase the UK's defence budget, according to new reports. Washington officials are pressuring the UK to move towards Nato's 5% spending pledge on defence, with talks between the two nations continuing.
Healey under pressure over defence targets
Chancellor John Healey has reportedly been branded a "sell-out" and accused of valuing "welfare over warfare" by one official. The criticism follows reports that the Labour minister will delay setting a date for hitting 3% of GDP on defence spending in his first Budget.
A White House insider refused to rule out whether Trump may "review" his position on Britain's sovereignty of the Falklands. The official said: "I can say that they [conversations] are candid and nothing is being ruled out as far as options for encouraging the sort of burden-sharing that we seek. We will therefore continue efforts to incentivise and enable the UK to step up in a major way."
US pressure on UK defence spending
One US source claimed the UK will be "pushed" into spending what Trump thinks it should, stating: "I would expect the UK to receive special attention because it has so much potential. We will therefore continue efforts to incentivise and enable the UK to step up in a major way."
According to the source, Trump would "continue efforts" to see Britain increase her defence spending given "how much potential" there is.
Previous US review of Falklands claim
It is not the first time the US has openly spoken of "reviewing" Britain's claim to the Falkland Islands. In April, a memo was published which mentioned a consideration to reassess US diplomatic support for European "imperial possessions", should Nato countries fail to support the war against Iran.
The State Department's website states the Falkland Islands are administered by the United Kingdom but are still claimed by Argentina. Argentina's President Javier Milei is a well-known ally of Trump.
Last Thursday it emerged that the Chancellor will not use his first Budget to officially set 2030 as a target date for reaching the 3% GDP defence spending target.
