The UK Government has affirmed its position that the Falkland Islands are British and possess the right to develop their natural resources. This is considered an integral part of their right of self-determination.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Overseas Territories, Uma Kumaran, stated today that Argentina has continued to threaten businesses and individuals supplying goods and services to the Falkland Islands in recent weeks. These threats reportedly include the hydrocarbons sector.
The UK Government and its diplomatic network have expressed full support for these businesses and individuals. The statement also noted that such economic threats from an Argentine Government are not unprecedented, yet the Falkland Islands' economy continues to grow.
The UK maintains that attempts to politicise international mechanisms against individuals for doing business with the Falklands are illegitimate and that charges against companies and individuals lack legal justification.