A Falklands War veteran who was on board HMS Sir Galahad when it was bombed in 1982 has expressed dismay over reports that US President Donald Trump plans to review Britain's claim to the Falkland Islands. The veteran, who was having a dressing changed after recent surgery related to his injuries, described the move as a 'hissy fit' and a 'cruel joke'.
The veteran said the reported plan, allegedly to punish the UK and other Nato allies for not supporting the US on Iran, throws into turmoil the peace and prosperity the islanders have built over 44 years. He called the Falkland islanders 'innocent pawns in a political game' and stated that the islands have nothing to do with Mr Trump.
He criticised Mr Trump's approach to foreign policy, saying Nato is not a US toy and that the US president cannot act as a 'schoolyard bully'. The veteran drew a parallel to Argentina's General Galtieri, who invaded the Falklands in 1982 to distract from domestic problems.
Recalling the 1982 conflict, the veteran noted that 48 men died aboard the Sir Galahad and over 60 in total from that attack. He himself suffered injuries that required hospitalisation for years and recent surgeries. He questioned what the sacrifices were for if someone could bring back the threat of conflict decades later.
The veteran warned that Mr Trump's words could encourage Argentina to take action again, and insisted that only the islanders should decide the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands. 'It’s their right, their choice, their freedom, their right to self-determination,' he said.
