Falklands veteran Simon Weston has condemned reports that the US could review its position on the South Atlantic territory in retaliation for Sir Keir Starmer’s lack of support for the war in Iran, branding it a “cruel joke”. An internal Pentagon email, first reported by Reuters, set out options for the Trump administration to punish Nato allies, including reassessing US diplomatic support for “imperial possessions” such as the Falklands.
Writing for The Independent, Mr Weston – who was severely injured during the bombing of the RFA Sir Galahad in the 1982 conflict – described the potential shift as “unnecessary” and “unfair”. He warned that Mr Trump’s words could “spark his friends in Argentina” into restarting another conflict. Argentina has long claimed sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and invaded them in 1982, leading to a short but bloody war.
Mr Weston said: “To have the legacy that the islanders have created… thrown into turmoil and uncertainty by the words of a man who is the self-proclaimed leader of the free world, it beggars belief. It’s so unnecessary. It’s so unfair. It’s got to be classed as a cruel joke.” He added: “What was it all for if somebody 44 years later can bring all that back?”
Speaking to BBC Two’s Newsnight, Mr Weston expressed hope that King Charles could convince Mr Trump to “back down” during his state visit next week. He said: “The King is an incredible statesman… I think he can hopefully smooth some of this over.” The veteran also urged Argentine President Javier Milei not to believe that “aggression may work”.
Downing Street has insisted that the islands’ sovereignty is “not in question”, with the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson stating: “The Falkland Islands have voted overwhelmingly in favour of remaining a UK overseas territory, and we’ve always stood behind the islanders’ right to self-determination.” The row is the latest sign of strains in the US-UK relationship following the Iran war, though Mr Trump said the state visit could “absolutely” repair relations.
