Andy Burnham has raised the Falkland Islands in a phone call with US President Donald Trump, warning that Argentina's actions over the British territory could have economic consequences for both the UK and the US.
The Prime Minister spoke with the US President on Friday, with the conversation covering several topics, including Argentina's recent behaviour regarding the Falklands.
Sea Lion Project at the Centre of Dispute
A Downing Street spokeswoman said: “Turning to the Falklands Islands, the leaders discussed the Sea Lion project. The Prime Minister raised the economic consequences of Argentina’s coercive measures for the UK and US and reiterated the importance of respecting the Islanders’ right to develop their natural resources.”
The dispute centres on the Sea Lion oil project, which could see significant amounts of oil extracted from waters around the islands. Argentina, which has long claimed the Falklands as its own, is seeking to block the plans and has made a series of cryptic threats regarding the islands.
Burnham's Firm Stance
In response, Burnham has promised to take the “firmest of action” to defend the islands, telling MPs that Britain would not back down. He said: “We will take the firmest of action to support the Falkland Islands, the right of the islanders to self-determination, who chose to remain British not so long ago.”
The Falklands have been a point of tension between Britain and Argentina for decades, with the two countries going to war over the territory in 1982. Britain emerged victorious in a 74-day conflict in which 904 people lost their lives. Argentina has never dropped its claim, despite islanders voting overwhelmingly to remain British in 2013.
Ukraine and Starlink Discussed
The call also covered Russia's invasion of Ukraine. According to a Government spokesperson, Burnham urged Trump to ensure Ukraine can continue using Elon Musk's Starlink internet system to defend itself against Vladimir Putin's forces.
The system has been used to power Ukraine's drones, which are key to its defence, although recent signal losses have been linked to a dispute between the President and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky. While it has been claimed the system has been restored, Ukraine is still reporting that the service is not fully back online.
Downing Street has not disclosed Trump's response to Burnham's complaints about Argentina, remaining quiet on the President's reaction to the issues raised.
