Andy Burnham has said the UK will defend the Falkland Islanders’ right to self-determination and remain British, following renewed tensions with Argentina. He raised the issue with US President Donald Trump at the United Nations, saying Trump understood Britain’s position.

Argentine President Javier Milei has reaffirmed Argentina’s sovereignty claim, while his government has imposed sanctions linked to oil exploration near the islands and plans legal action against Navitas Petroleum. The dispute has been further complicated by Trump questioning Britain’s ability to defend the territory; the 1982 Falklands War caused 255 British, 655 Argentine and three Falkland Islander deaths.