Andy Burnham has launched an investigation after GB News exposed a campaign of harassment by Argentinians in the Falkland islands.
Islanders earlier told GB News of a sustained campaign of harassment by Argentinian counterparts, with No10 probed on whether they were going to lodge a diplomatic complaint.
A Downing Street spokesman this afternoon said: “Looking into these reports, any intimidation is unacceptable. The Falkland Islands are British, and support for the islanders right to self-determination is unwavering.”
The backing from No10 comes after Javier Milei was accused of “bullying” the Falkland Islands community as tensions reignite over the sovereignty of the terrority.
Speaking to the People’s Channel live from the British Overseas Territory, Acting Chair of the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly Stacy Bragger claimed the Argentine President was “using” the debate ahead of the 2027 elections.
Mr Milei has so far dismissed the wishes of Falkland islanders, who previously voted overwhelmingly to remain as a British Overseas Territory.
He argued the principle of self-determination did not apply “since the population was implanted by the occupying power on a territory whose sovereignty is in dispute”.
Mr Bragger said the intervention from Mr Milei is “nothing new” and told Britain’s News Channel: “It’s very unhelpful. We think it’s another classic example of the attitude Argentina has towards us.”
He added: “This is nothing new for us, sadly. We’re used to Argentina trying to undermine our economy, so Milei obviously has elections coming up, so he’s using the Falklands issue unfortunately again.
“But we’re determined just to carry on and try and develop our community and and try and move forward despite the the very unwarranted actions of the Argentine government.”
Mr Bragger accused Argentina of pursuing a “continued economic campaign” against the Falkland Islands in its efforts to claim sovereignty.
He said Argentina had previously attempted to interfere with flights and shipping to the islands, and was now targeting the hydrocarbons sector.
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Mr Bragger described the situation as a country of 40 million people bullying a community of just 4,000.
He also accused Argentina of refusing to recognise the islanders’ right to self-determination, insisting they wanted to remain British.
“We’re clear that we want to remain part of the British family,” he said, noting 99.8 per cent of voters supported remaining British in the 2013 referendum.
Addressing Mr Milei’s interventions concerning the Sea Lion oil project, Mr Bragger said the development complied with Falklands legislation and international law.
He accused Argentina of using the issue to advance its sovereignty claim and said the island authorities were working closely with the British Government to respond.
Despite the tensions, Mr Bragger insisted Argentina’s actions would not prevent the Falkland Islands from moving forward with their development plans.
Islanders on the Falklands have now extended an invitation to the US President to visit the archipelago and see for himself how proudly British they are.
In recent weeks, the White House has seemed less than supportive of Britain’s claim over the Falklands, with Mr Milei being a key ally of Donald Trump.
Now, islanders have said MrTrump would be very welcome to travel to the remote territory and see how their allegiances lie with London, not Buenos Aires.
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