Calls grow for King Charles to address Donald Trump over Falklands row

King Charles is facing calls to address Britain's concerns about the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands with Donald Trump during the State Visit.

The shadow home secretary has said it would be “very reasonable” for the King to speak to the US President about UK sovereignty of the Falkland Islands.

This follows reports that the US could review its position on the South Atlantic territory in retaliation for Sir Keir Starmer’s lack of support for the war in Iran.

Chris Philp told the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: “The British Government should do everything possible to keep those islands British, including making sure there is enough military hardware on the islands to protect them.”

He added: “I think it would be a reasonable point for the King to raise, of course, it’s up to him what he decides to discuss, but I think it would be very reasonable for the King to raise that with President Trump.”

On Friday, a leaked memo from the Pentagon suggested the US should re-evaluate its position on the Falkland Islands to punish Britain for its lack of involvement in Iran.

Since then, the Prime Minister, veterans, and Falkland Islanders have weighed in on the email, sharply condemning the suggestion.

The Falkland Islands Government said in a statement that 99.8 per cent of islanders voted in favour of remaining as a British Overseas Territory.

It said: "The Falkland Islands has complete confidence in the commitment made by the UK Government to uphold and defend our right of self-determination."

Sir Keir Starmer also declared on Friday, in response to the memo, that the Falkland Islands belong to Britain.

Downing Street insisted the UK's "long-standing" stance on the British territory remains "unchanged".

The Prime Minister's spokesman said: "We could not be clearer about the UK’s position on the Falkland Islands. It’s long-standing. It’s unchanged."

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"Sovereignty rests with the UK, and the Islands’ right to self-determination is paramount.

"That’s been our consistent position and will remain the case.

"The PM has been clear repeatedly that he won’t be pressured.

"He will always take a strong position on the UK’s national interests, and the Falklands is no different to that."

Reform leader Nigel Farage simply posted on X: "The Falklands are and will always be British."

Mr Philp also said during his interview that King Charles’s trip “should absolutely go ahead” despite the attempted shooting at a Washington dinner attended by the US President.

On Saturday night, an attempted attack occurred during the White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Washington Hilton, resulting in the immediate evacuation of the President and First Lady.

The suspect is facing charges including assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon and using a firearm during a crime of violence. He is expected to be formally charged in court on Monday, April 27.