UK premier vows 'firmest action' to support Falkland Islands, voices concern over Ukraine

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - British Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Wednesday pledged to take the "firmest" action to support the Falkland Islands' right to remain British and expressed concern over Ukraine's reduced access to Starlink.

"We will take the firmest of action to support the Falkland Islands, the right of the islanders to self-determination, who chose to remain British not so long ago," Burnham said during Prime Minister's Questions.

Responding to a question about Argentina's efforts to stop oil drilling on the islands, Burnham said the UK would strongly oppose the Argentine government's position.

"The Defense Secretary Wes Streeting has met with his counterparts to reiterate that position. The foreign secretary, too," he said.

Burnham added that he had raised the issue with US President Donald Trump.

"There is no diminution in our strong support to keep the Falkland Islands British," he said.

- Relations with EU

On relations with the EU, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey urged the government to consider rejoining the bloc's single market and customs union, arguing that closer ties would boost economic growth.

Davey questioned whether the government would wait until after the next election before considering such a move.

Burnham said the upcoming UK-EU summit would provide an opportunity to secure a "good deal for food producers, for farmers... for Northern Ireland... and hopefully more cooperation on illegal migration."

He also said the government was working to reduce risks from the "Made in Europe initiative" and called for cross-party support to strengthen its negotiating position at the summit.

- Concerns over Starlink

On Ukraine, Burnham expressed concern over reported restrictions affecting a version of SpaceX's Starlink satellite system used by Ukrainian forces in their war against Russia.

Reports suggested that SpaceX founder Elon Musk was behind a recent restriction on Ukraine's access, hampering its defense against Russian strikes and limiting its own attacks.

Davey asked whether Burnham agreed that "directly aiding Putin in this way is beyond the pale" and whether he would work with European allies to prevent Musk from obtaining licenses he was seeking.

Burnham said he had "concerns about any move that diminishes the military capability of Ukraine in the position in which it finds itself at this moment in time."

However, he cautioned that the situation was "currently fragile and needs careful handling."

"I think at this moment in time, I think we need to handle the situation carefully so that we can bring back all sides to get the support behind President Zelenskyy and Ukraine," he said.

Aysu Biçer