Downing Street has reaffirmed that sovereignty of the Falkland Islands rests with the United Kingdom, after reports suggested the United States was conducting a review of its position on the territory.
A spokesperson for No 10 said on Friday that the UK’s position remains unchanged and that the Falkland Islanders have made clear they wish to remain British.
“The UK has no doubt about its sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and surrounding maritime areas, nor about the principle and the right of the Falkland Islanders to self-determination,” the spokesperson said.
The comments follow media reports that US officials were reviewing Washington’s stance on the long-standing dispute between the UK and Argentina over the South Atlantic islands.
The UK government pointed to the 2013 referendum in which 99.8% of Falkland Islanders voted to remain an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom, on a 92% turnout.
Argentina continues to claim sovereignty over the islands, which it calls the Malvinas. The UK and Argentina fought a 10-week war over the territory in 1982.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office reiterated that it works closely with the Falkland Islands Government to support the Islands’ economy, security, and international engagement.
