Argentina has hailed the UK’s decision to relinquish sovereignty over the Chagos Islands as “an encouraging example”, as questions grow about Labour’s commitment to the Falklands.
Last week the UK reached an agreement with the government of Mauritius over the return of the Chagos Islands.
Argentina’s government sees the deal as setting a precedent that will eventually lead to the fulfilment of its own ambitions to restore sovereignty over the Falklands.
“This is a historic event in the decolonisation process,” Argentina’s Foreign Ministry said.
President Javier Milei has consistently vowed to bring the British Overseas Territory under Argentine control.
However, in an interview with the BBC earlier this year he acknowledged it would take time to seal a deal.
Argentina’s Foreign Minister Diana Mondino promised her country would regain full sovereignty of the Falklands.
“Following the path we have already taken, with concrete actions and not empty rhetoric, we will recover full sovereignty over our Malvinas Islands,” she wrote on the X social media channel.
“The Malvinas were, are and will always be Argentine,” she added defiantly.
The UK’s deal with Mauritius allows it to retain a military base on Diego Garcia island for an initial period of 99 years.
The base is jointly operated by the US and is of great strategic importance to both militaries, giving them an important foothold in the Indian Ocean.
The White House praised the UK for its decision to return the islands to Mauritian control.
In a statement, the White House said: “I applaud the historic agreement and conclusion of the negotiations between the Republic of Mauritius and the United Kingdom on the status of the Chagos Archipelago.
“It is a clear demonstration that through diplomacy and partnership, countries can overcome long-standing historical challenges to reach peaceful and mutually beneficial outcomes.”
However, the Labour government’s decision was criticised by some Tories, who said there were now genuine questons about Sir Keir Starmer‘s commitment to the Falklands.
A source from within Tom Tugenhadt’s campaign for the Tory leadership told the Express: “Labour’s decision to push forward the deal negotiated by James Cleverly to give up the Chagos Islands has raised questions about the government’s commitment to the Falkland Islands. The Falkland Islands are British. No debate. Full stop. Tom won’t trade away sovereignty.”
Sir Keir Starmer‘s official spokesman said the government was ruling out negotiations over Gibraltar, claimed by Spain, and the Falkland Islands, claimed by Argentina, pledging the Falklands is “not up for discussion”.
He said: “There is no question about British sovereignty of those two, it is not up for negotiation”.