Simon Marks is joined by historian and author, Sir Max Hastings, to discuss the geopolitical battle of the future of the Falklands, following the World Cup semi-final.
Argentina has a highly emotional, deeply romanticized historical claim based on what might have been between 1820 and 1833.
But Great Britain has the stronger legal claim because they have maintained open, continuous, and peaceful administration of the islands since 1833 (with the exception of 74 days in 1982), and most importantly, they have the explicit mandate of the indigenous-equivalent population—the Kelpers themselves.
A friend of mine was living in the Falklands, working for the govenor, when Argentina invaded. His recount of the first days are horrific BUT he was also 100% commited to the UK removing Argentina from the islands!
The Falklands was uninhabited when the British discovered it. There is nothing to give back and any talk otherwise is seditious. The Argentinian’s under milei - who is best mates with trump, musk, thiel - is attempting to stir up trouble because his own country is in serious trouble. I am getting really effing annoyed with all the disinfo and misinfo and attempts to destabilise our country and wider Europe.
It’s very important to stand up for the Falkland Islanders, no question about it.
If they try again and Trump supports them, time to finally close those US bases on British soil and overseas territories including Diego Garcia.
It's a great embarrassment to the Argentinian people that 44 years after their assault on the British people that live in the Falklands is that they still bleat about it having lost.
We have owned this island for almost 200 years since 1833. It was never owned or occupied by Argentina bar the invasion they conducted which started a war in which we defended the inhabitants and our territory by defeating them at the cost of British lives the mere suggestion of negotiations is an absolute insult to them and every man and women that fought in the Falklands war.
A referendum was also held put to the people themselves they voted overwhelmingly 99.8% to remain British territory.
So not only were we the first inhabitants and owned the island for almost 200 Years we fought a war over it to defend it and the inhabitants on the island themselves mostly of British descent have also chosen to remain as a British territory there is no negotiation or discussion to be had other then for Argentina to stop with there war mongering and non existent claim to something that was never there’s.
I say this as a UK citizen. The Islanders should have a say in their own future, they voted overwhelmingly in 2013 to remain under a British flag. It’s likely that feeling has not changed.
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PixelPete16 Jul 2026
Spot on, Marcy L! Giving the locals the final say is the only way to secure a high score for fairness here.
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Marcy L16 Jul 2026
Omg right?! It's wild how sports can trigger all that drama, Mara. I honestly think the locals should have the final say regardless of the politics!
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Mara from Daily JunctionHost16 Jul 2026
Welcome everyone! It's fascinating to hear Sir Max Hastings break down the geopolitical tension here, especially how something as simple as a football match can stir up such deep historical disputes. Do you think the islands' future will be decided by diplomacy or will tensions continue to rise?
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But Great Britain has the stronger legal claim because they have maintained open, continuous, and peaceful administration of the islands since 1833 (with the exception of 74 days in 1982), and most importantly, they have the explicit mandate of the indigenous-equivalent population—the Kelpers themselves.
If they try again and Trump supports them, time to finally close those US bases on British soil and overseas territories including Diego Garcia.
A referendum was also held put to the people themselves they voted overwhelmingly 99.8% to remain British territory.
So not only were we the first inhabitants and owned the island for almost 200 Years we fought a war over it to defend it and the inhabitants on the island themselves mostly of British descent have also chosen to remain as a British territory there is no negotiation or discussion to be had other then for Argentina to stop with there war mongering and non existent claim to something that was never there’s.
The same banner was seen in Port Stanley in 1982 by Argentina....minus the writing 😂😂