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Falklands veteran appeals to King Charles ahead of US state visit
Simon Weston, a veteran of the 1982 Falklands War, has urged King Charles III to persuade US President Donald Trump to reconsider reported plans to review Washington's stance on the UK's claim to the islands. The appeal comes days before the monarch's state visit to the US.
Trump's remarks spark outrage among veterans
Weston, who suffered severe burns during the conflict, told BBC Newsnight that Trump's reported comments on sovereignty amounted to a "hissy fit" and undermined the sacrifices of British servicemen. "He's paying no heed to the humanity he's abusing with his words," Weston said. "The people of the Falklands-and every veteran who served there-deserve more respect."
The Welsh Guardsman, who was injured in the bombing of the Sir Galahad-the deadliest single incident of the war-called Trump's stance "very unstatesmanlike" and expressed disappointment over the escalating rhetoric.
UK government reaffirms sovereignty stance
Downing Street reiterated on Friday that the Falkland Islands' sovereignty "rests with the UK" and emphasized the islanders' right to self-determination as "paramount." A spokesperson for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer echoed the sentiment, stressing that the UK would uphold the 2013 referendum result, in which 99.8% of voters opted to remain a British Overseas Territory.
The US State Department, however, maintained its neutral position. A spokesperson told AFP that Washington recognizes "de facto UK administration" of the islands but does not take sides on sovereignty disputes between Argentina and the UK.
Argentina renews sovereignty claims
Argentina's President Javier Milei, a Trump ally, reignited tensions on Friday by declaring on social media: "The Malvinas were, are, and always will be Argentine." His foreign minister also condemned the UK's exploration of natural resources, including oil fields, around the islands.
Weston warned against aggressive posturing, telling Newsnight: "What we don't need is Mr. Milei to raise his sleeves and believe aggression may work-because that would just cost more lives."
Historical context and geopolitical tensions
The Falklands, located 300 miles (483 km) east of Argentina, have been under British control since 1833. The 1982 war, which lasted 10 weeks, ended with Argentina's surrender but did not resolve the sovereignty dispute. Argentina continues to press its claim, with the issue remaining a potent symbol in domestic politics.
The Falklands government responded on Friday, stating: "We have complete confidence in the UK government's commitment to uphold and defend our right of self-determination."
Pentagon email fuels speculation
Reuters reported an internal Pentagon email suggesting the US was exploring options to penalize NATO allies perceived as insufficiently supportive of its policies, including its stance on Iran. The email's authenticity could not be independently verified by BBC News.
