The British frozen food retailer Iceland is set to open its first store in the Falkland Islands in early December, marking the first time a British high street brand will establish a presence on the islands.

This move comes just days after Argentine President Javier Milei publicly reaffirmed Argentina's claims to sovereignty over the islands, which he referred to as 'Falklands are Argentinian. Historically and legally.' He also stated that 'the islanders on their usurped territory do not have a legitimate right to self-determination'.

Iceland, operated by Lord Richard Walker, will launch its store in the capital, Stanley, in partnership with local retailer Keller Stores. The company stated it will offer its own-label frozen products alongside popular brands such as My Protein, Cathedral City, and TGI Fridays. Lord Walker expressed pride in supporting the islands, describing them as a "special part of the British family," and noted that opening a store in the Falklands has been a long-standing ambition.

This expansion is considered an "important moment for the business and our international aspirations" by Lord Walker, who leads a company with 960 UK stores and approximately 40 international locations, holding about 2.3% of the UK grocery market.

President Milei has also indicated plans to impose sanctions on oil companies operating in the territory and pursue legal action against Israeli energy firm Navitas Petroleum. He recently criticized Britain, characterizing it as a nation "on a path of decline" while asserting that Argentina's future is "flourishing."

In response to Milei's renewed claims, British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband reiterated that "The Islands are British and will remain so because that is the overwhelming position of the islanders." Defence Secretary Wes Streeting affirmed the UK's commitment to the territory as "absolute and unshakeable."

Lord Walker is also known for his public stance against retail crime in the UK, advocating for measures such as allowing trained security staff to carry defensive equipment like pepper spray.