The Newshound

Britain insists Falklands 'are and will remain British' as US threatens to withdraw sovereignty support over defence spending

Argentina has never dropped its claim to the islands it calls the Malvinas, a dispute now sharpened by Washington's threat to withdraw support for British sovereignty.
Argentina has never dropped its claim to the islands it calls the Malvinas, a dispute now sharpened by Washington's threat to withdraw support for British sovereignty.
Argentina never abandoned its claim to the Falkland Islands after the 1982 war, leaving US diplomatic support as the only cushion protecting British sovereignty.
Argentina never abandoned its claim to the Falkland Islands after the 1982 war, leaving US diplomatic support as the only cushion protecting British sovereignty.

The Trump administration is considering whether to pull US support for British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands should the government fall short of NATO's 5 per cent defence spending target. A senior US official has warned that "nothing is being ruled out" in efforts to force allies into greater burden-sharing, with Britain set to receive "special attention" from Washington. Chancellor John Healey — who stepped down as defence secretary in June after Starmer refused to commit to 3 per cent GDP spending — is not expected to use his upcoming budget to set a 2030 deadline for reaching that lower threshold. The UK government has pushed back, insisting the islands' status is "long-standing and unwavering".

Critics are set to brand Healey a 'hypocrite' and 'sell-out' for shelving the very defence target he quit over just two months ago.

Analysts warn Britain is also set to be dangerously exposed on energy, with the US expected to supply over 60 per cent of UK gas needs by 2035 — another lever Trump could pull.

Some commentators argue Trump is right: Britain will have found endless cash for illegal migrants and hotels while leaving its armed forces short of frigates and ammunition.

MoreThe IndependentUS considers new ultimatum to UK over FalklandsLBC'They are and will remain British': Government insists Falklands will remain UK overseas territory amid US threats to withdraw supportiNewsThe devastating lever Trump could pull on the UKGB NewsDonald Trump is right and is using the Falklands to force misguided leaders to do what the British people have long demanded
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