Falklands War veteran Simon Weston has criticised Donald Trump after leaked Pentagon emails suggested the US president is considering backing Argentina's claim to the Falkland Islands. Weston, who suffered severe burns during the conflict, described the move as a 'hissy fit' in response to Britain not joining the US in military action against Iran.
The leaked emails indicate that Washington may review its position on the sovereignty of the Falklands. Weston told LBC: 'He's thrown them under a bus, because he's having a hissy fit around no-one wanting to go to his fight.' He expressed sadness for the islanders and fellow veterans, calling the uncertainty 'cruel'.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper insisted the islands' sovereignty is 'not in question', stating: 'The Falklands Islands are British – sovereignty rests with the UK, self-determination rests with the islanders.' A Number 10 spokesperson earlier said the islands are not up for negotiation.
A representative for the Falkland Islands Government highlighted the 2013 referendum, where 99.8% of voters chose to remain a British Overseas Territory. The Pentagon has not commented on the emails but a spokesperson said the US will ensure allies 'do their part', referencing NATO contributions.
The row comes ahead of King Charles' state visit to the US next week, where he is due to meet Trump. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also weighed in, tweeting: 'The Falklands are and will always be British.'
