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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Millie Cooke

Falklands veteran fears Trump’s threat could restart conflict

  • Falklands veteran Simon Weston has strongly criticised reports that the Donald Trump administration could review the US's diplomatic support for the Falkland Islands.
  • An internal Pentagon email reportedly suggested reassessing US support for "imperial possessions" like the Falklands as a punitive measure against NATO allies not joining US-Israeli strikes against Iran.
  • Mr Weston, who was injured serving in the 1982 conflict during the bombing of the British ship the Sir Galahad, labelled the potential shift "a cruel joke" and warned that Mr Trump's rhetoric could encourage Argentina to reignite the dispute over the territory.
  • Argentina has since called for talks with the UK, though Downing Street maintains the islands' sovereignty is "not in question" and reaffirms the islanders' right to self-determination.
  • Mr Weston expressed hope that King Charles could persuade Mr Trump to "back down" on the issue during his upcoming state visit, to prevent further escalation.

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