Downing Street has hit back at Donald Trump amid suggestions the US is reconsidering its support for Britain's claim to the Falkland Islands.
An internal memo reportedly listed the move as among options being considered by the US President to punish the US’s NATO allies for failing to support the Iran war.
But Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesman said on Friday: “The Prime Minister has been clear repeatedly that he will not be pressured.
“He will always take a strong position on the UK’s national interests, and the Falklands is no different.”
He added: “We could not be clearer about the UK's position on the Falklands.
“It’s longstanding, it’s unchanged. Sovereignty rests with the UK and self-determination is paramount.”
Asked if the government had made that position clear to Trump, the spokesman said: "I wouldn't get ahead of this, but our position is consistent.
"The Falkland Islands have previously voted overwhelmingly in favour of remaining an overseas territory. We have always stood behind the right to self-determination."
A note, described to news agency Reuters by an anonymous official, laid out policy options to punish NATO members who refused to give the US access, basing and overflight (ABO) rights for its Iran war.
As well as reassessing the US view of Britain’s “imperial possessions”, it reportedly also suggested removing Spain from the military alliance altogether.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch described the plans as "absolute nonsense".
“The Falkland Islands are British,” she said.
“They have been for a very long time."
She added that the US suggestion is not an idea "we need to take seriously just yet".
"I don't know what Donald Trump is talking about,” Ms Badenoch told reporters.
“This sounds like this sort of thing he was saying when it came to Greenland.
“I don't think we need to take it that seriously just yet. We need to make sure that we are very determined in protecting British sovereign territory, and that includes the Falkland Islands as well as Chagos.”
Directing her criticism at the Prime Minister, she added: "This is one of the things that worries me about the changing world.
“I'm not like Keir Starmer giving away the Chagos Islands and surrendering British territory. We need to make sure that we back the Falklands. They are British territory.”
