UK denies Milei’s claim of talks over Falklands-era ban on Argentina arms sales | Foreign policy

The British government has denied it has been in talks to lift a ban on arms sales to Argentina since the Falklands war.

Argentinian President Javier Milei told the Daily Telegraph that his government had started talks with the UK about the restrictions.

Argentina briefly occupied the British territory of the Falkland Islands in 1982. The war lasted 10 weeks and cost the lives of 255 British and 649 Argentinians before the invaders surrendered.

It was subsequently the policy of the British government not to allow the export to Argentina of weapons judged to “increase Argentina’s military capacity”.

“There can be no world power without military power,” Milei said, according to the Telegraph, adding: “Any country that cannot defend its borders does not count in the international context.”

Milei said he plans to visit the UK in April or May 2026 and wants to see the Falkland Islands given to Argentina through diplomatic means.

But a British government spokesman rubbished the Argentinian president’s claims about arms exports and sovereignty over the Falklands.

“The sovereignty of the Falkland Islands is non-negotiable and we will defend its right to self-determination.

“In 2013 the islanders held a referendum on their future and an overwhelming majority chose to remain part of the United Kingdom.

“There are no specific discussions with Argentina about the UK relaxing arms export controls.”

But the spokesman added: “More broadly, we look forward to deepening our cooperation with Argentina in areas such as trade, science and culture to deliver growth for the British people.”

Via PA Media