UK support for Falklands 'unwavering' after reports US may oppose British rule of the islands

The government says its support for the Falkland Islands is "unwavering" amid reports that the US may oppose British sovereignty over the territory.

The Pentagon is reportedly reviewing its allies' commitment to NATO and has devised measures to incentivise meeting the 5% defence spending pledge.

A senior US official told the Daily Telegraph that the UK would "receive special attention because it has so much potential".

Asked if the US might change its position on the Falklands, they responded that "nothing is being ruled out as far as options for encouraging the sort of burden-sharing that we seek".

It follows the leak of an internal Pentagon email in April suggesting that the US may review its position on the islands.

The government has since defended the UK's contributions to NATO and reaffirmed its position on the territory.

A spokesperson said: "The UK position on the Falkland Islands is long-standing and unwavering: they are and will remain a British Overseas Territory in line with the wishes of the Falkland islanders.

"The UK is playing a central role in NATO and strengthening collective defence across Europe.

"We are NATO's third largest cash spender on defence and the only European NATO member to commit our nuclear deterrent to the alliance."

A spokesperson for the prime minister previously said that "the islanders have repeatedly expressed their wish to remain a British Overseas Territory, and their right to self-determination is paramount".

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In 2013, Falklands residents voted overwhelmingly in favour of remaining an overseas territory of the UK.

Of the 1,517 people who voted, 1,513 were in favour and three were against.

Earlier this month, the Argentine Football Association was fined £235,000 after the country's players displayed a banner following the World Cup semi-final win over England, which read "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" - translating to "The Falklands Islands are Argentinian".

(c) Sky News 2026: UK support for Falklands 'unwavering' after reports US may oppose British rule of the islands