The UK's Conservative Party is urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to block Argentina's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a major trade bloc. The opposition insists that Buenos Aires cannot join the partnership while it continues to assert claims over the Falkland Islands, which they refer to as 'Las Malvinas'.
This stance follows Argentinian President Javier Milei's recent reiteration of the country's claim to the islands. Milei has also announced sanctions on oil exploration around the Falklands. The UK government maintains that sovereignty of the Falklands is not in question, citing a 2013 referendum where 99.8% of islanders voted to remain British.
Shadow foreign secretary Tom Tugendhat stated that Argentina is eager to join the CPTPP, largely to address its economic crisis. "Milei needs Britain as a friend. He wants to join the CPTPP to end his economic crisis. Britain can decide if we let him in," Tugendhat said. He added, "There is no better friend than Britain, but we cannot welcome those who threaten us as trade allies."
Tugendhat emphasized that the decision on Argentina's membership should prioritize British interests and security. "As Foreign Secretary, I will put Britain's security first and bring diplomacy, trade, and military together to show strength, unity, and serve the British people," he stated.
The dispute has historical roots, stemming from Argentina's attempt to seize the Falklands in 1982, which led to a conflict with British forces. The war resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The United Kingdom recently gained full access to the CPTPP, an 11-member bloc with a combined GDP of approximately £13 trillion.