Lord Richard Walker, executive chairman of the retailer Iceland, has announced plans to open a supermarket on the Falkland Islands. Writing on LinkedIn, Lord Walker stated that Iceland is committed to its international expansion programme and aims to bring its "iconic British frozen quality and value to the Falklanders."
This announcement follows renewed claims over the territory by Argentinian President Javier Milei on Friday. President Milei stated in a televised address that "The Falklands are Argentinian. Historically and legally. There can be no argument. They are part of the Argentine territory." He also asserted that the islanders do not possess a legitimate right to self-determination.
In response, senior UK government ministers rejected President Milei's claims. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband wrote that "The Islands are British and will remain so because that is the overwhelming position of the islanders." Defence Secretary Wes Streeting added that the UK’s commitment to the territory is "absolute and unshakeable."
The Falkland Islands, with a population of approximately 3,600, currently stock Iceland and Waitrose products at the West Store in Stanley, the capital. If opened, Iceland would become the first British grocer to establish a direct presence on the islands.