The article reports that US officials have indicated Washington could reconsider support for Britain’s sovereignty claim over the Falkland Islands if the UK does not raise defence spending, according to unnamed sources. The reported pressure follows criticism of Chancellor John Healey’s decision not to set an immediate timetable for reaching defence spending of 3 per cent of GDP, and highlights wider US demands for European Nato members to assume more responsibility for security.

Officials are said to be urging Britain to meet Nato’s 5 per cent spending pledge, while the Government plans to set out a timetable for the 3 per cent target at next year’s spending review rather than in the forthcoming Budget. The Falklands are administered by the UK but claimed by Argentina; the 1982 war killed 255 British personnel and about 650 Argentine soldiers. The article also places the dispute against heightened tensions with Russia over British military support for Ukraine.