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Ed Miliband says UK will 'resolutely uphold' self-determination of Falklands. By Helen Corbett, Rob Freeman and Sophie Wingate, Press Association Political Staff Published 4th Sep 2026, 12:32 BST The Foreign Secretary said the UK's position on the islands is 'unwavering' after the Argentinian leader said his country needs to take them back. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has said the UK will "resolutely uphold" the self-determination of the Falkland Islands after Argentinian president Javier Milei said his country needed to take them back. In a national address, Mr Milei reiterated the country's claim on the islands and said he would introduce sanctions on any oil companies working in the area. The renewed tensions over the British overseas territory came after US president Donald Trump hinted the US would not help the UK in a future Falklands conflict. Mr Miliband said in a post on X: "The UK's position on the Falkland Islands is unwavering. "The Islands are British and will remain so because that is the overwhelming position of the Islanders. "Their right of self-determination is paramount, grounded in international law and we will resolutely uphold it." Defence Secretary Wes Streeting earlier said the UK's commitment to the Falklands was "absolute and unshakeable." Downing Street suggested there would be no UK diplomatic response to Mr Milei's threats, with the UK seeking to bolster ties with the country. In a 2013 referendum, the Falkland Islanders voted overwhelmingly to remain a British overseas territory, with 99.8% voting in favour and just three votes against. Although the US is formally neutral, Washington provided support for Britain's campaign to retake the islands after the Argentinian invasion in 1982. It sparked the Falklands War which saw 255 British service deaths in just over 70 bloody days. It also led to the deaths of 655 Argentinians and three Falkland Islanders. In his speech, Mr Milei said: "Our role and relevance as a country in the world has changed dramatically. "The Falklands are our future - we need to recover these islands which are nationally relevant. There is no other path forward." He said he would sign decrees to introduce sanctions against any companies working on oil production in the area. And he declared the Sea Lion oilfield, owned by an Israeli and a British firm where production is expected to begin in 2028, a "clear and present danger" to the country's claims. "If we do not act swiftly in a few months, they will have the material capacity to access the oil that lies underneath our sea. Something that has never happened before," he said. British-based oil exploration company Rockhopper, which is working with Navitas on the oilfield near the islands, said it did not expect developments by the Argentinian government to have a "material effect" on the project. A No 10 spokeswoman said the UK supports the right of the Falkland Islanders to develop their natural resources for their own economic benefit, and "this is an integral part of their right to self-determination". "Their decision to pursue hydrocarbon production is a commercial decision for them to take alongside the companies involved." The Argentinian leader announced plans to boost its defence resources with a new naval base in Tierre del Fuego in the south of the country. Mr Milei said the US was "assessing their historical position in regard to the Falklands". Asked whether there would be a diplomatic response to his threats, the Downing Street spokeswoman said the UK continues "to have a diplomatic relationship with Argentina, and from our perspective we want to continue to strengthen that". The US president on Thursday suggested he would not back the UK in a fight over the territory, pointing to the lack of support for his war in Iran. Asked in an interview if he would "come to the aid" of the UK, the US president told GB News: "Well look, I was there when they had the first war. "That was a long time ago and I watched it so carefully, and you comported yourselves very well. "You took it back pretty strongly, but it's a long way away. That's a big trip, it's a long way. "So, your country's not doing well. Don't forget, you get a big percentage of your oil from the Strait of Hormuz, and you weren't there to help me. "Your country was not there to help me. We didn't need help, but I did ask Nato, and I asked your former leader: 'Why didn't you send a couple of ships?' "He said: 'We don't have any,' and it was pretty sad, the whole thing. So Nato was not there, even though they get - most of those countries get - a big portion of their oil from there. So we're doing that by ourselves." No 10 declined to comment on Mr Trump's remarks, saying they were "a matter for the US president". There has been speculation that Washington could be seeking access to the oil produced off the Falkland Islands' coast. Sarah Rogers, a senior official in the US state department, wrote on X that "exciting things are happening in the Western Hemisphere" alongside a photo of her and Mr Milei ahead of his speech. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said in response to Mr Milei that "Britain does not surrender to bullies," while blaming the Government's plans to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius for Argentina "trying their luck".

Celebrating leadership in action: Noémie plumridge named 2025 WiNN 'Woman of the Year' As the world celebrates international women's day under the 2026 global UN theme, rights. Justice. Action. For ALL women and girls, Navitas is proud to spotlight an outstanding leader within the Navitas community. Noémie plumridge is the director of marketing and admissions at international college portsmouth (ICP), and recipient of the prestigious 'Woman of the Year' award at the 2025 women in Navitas network (WiNN) Annual Awards. Noémie was honoured during the 2025 WiNN Annual Awards, a global celebration that recognises women across Navitas whose leadership, impact and influence elevates its organisation. The 'Woman of the Year' Award is presented to an exemplary leader who not only demonstrates exceptional professional excellence but also inspires others through authenticity, courage and commitment. Noémie's nominations described her as: "An exceptional, empowering leader whose vision, compassion, and transformative impact make her the heart and force behind ICP's success." Her leadership reflects the very essence of the 2026 IWD theme: taking meaningful action, advocating for fairness, and creating environments where all women and girls can thrive. At ICP, Noémie is known for her ability to unite teams, champion bold ideas, and nurture a culture rooted in empathy and empowerment. In both her personal and professional spheres, she consistently "shows up, leans in, and inspires others to do the same," embodying the values celebrated not only by WiNN but by women's movements worldwide. To mark international women's day, Navitas sat down with Noémie plumridge for a special Q&A reflecting on her leadership journey and her vision for a more inclusive future. Congratulations on being named WiNN's 2025 'Woman of the Year'! What does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally? Winning the '2025 Woman of the Year' award means more to me than I can easily put into words. Personally, I feel incredibly grateful and genuinely humbled. Having seen the nominations and the stories of the women I was shortlisted alongside, I know just how much talent, resilience and fantastic leadership exists around me. To be recognised among such inspiring women was truly an honour. Professionally, this recognition has been a real boost. It has strengthened my belief in the importance of empowering others, lifting one another up and continuing to push. I am surrounded by extraordinary women every day, and this award feels like a reflection of the collective strength, collaboration and support Navitas share, so this really is not just an individual achievement. Your colleagues describe you as an exceptional and empowering leader whose vision, compassion, and transformative impact has made you the heart and force behind ICP's success. What principles guide your leadership style? For me, leadership has never been about authority or hierarchy, it is about creating an environment where everyone feels confident to contribute, challenge ideas and bring their full selves to the table. In a fast-paced and ever-evolving industry like ours, no single person can be on top of everything alone. Success depends on building a team culture where Navitas rely on one another, share knowledge openly, and are not afraid to question or refine each other's thinking. I actively encourage challenge, because respectful challenge strengthens ideas and drives better decisions. Trust is also fundamental. I aim to empower my team by giving them ownership, clarity and the space to grow. When people feel trusted and supported, they perform at their best. WiNN champions allyship, community, and women's empowerment. What or who has helped you thrive in your own career, and what advice would you offer to women at earlier stages of their career? I have been incredibly fortunate in my career journey. My first four managers were men who were genuine allies, leaders who actively championed equality and pushed boundaries to ensure I had opportunities to grow. They didn't just support me; they empowered me, challenged me and created space for me to step forward. Today, I continue to thrive working with an incredible manager who is a woman who walks the talk and empowers everyone else around her to be the best they can be! I am surrounded by an extraordinary team, particularly the women I work alongside every day. I am constantly inspired by their resilience, whether that is balancing motherhood and demanding careers, navigating difficult health challenges, or simply showing up with determination and strength in a fast-paced environment. For women at earlier stages of their careers, my advice would be this: seek out environments and leaders who champion growth and inclusion. Don't be afraid to take up space, to voice your ideas and to challenge respectfully. Confidence doesn't always come first, sometimes courage does. I also always say to my team "good things happen to good people", it always does! And when you progress, remember to become that ally for others. Empowerment should never stop with Navitas; it should continue through Navitas. Looking ahead, what actions (big or small) do you believe will make the greatest difference in advancing equity, opportunity and representation for women and girls globally? As a mother of two young girls (aged 3 and 5) this is a big one for me. I am already doing all I can to ensure their inner voice tells them that there is nothing they cannot do - but Navitas need the world around them to also shift. Navitas need to normalise women being heard, challenged and promoted based on their ability and potential. It means calling out bias when Navitas see it, even when it feels uncomfortable. It means ensuring that flexibility in the workplace is not seen as a compromise, but as a strength that enables diverse talent to thrive. Representation is also powerful. When women and girls can see leaders who look like them, speak like them, or share similar experiences, it expands what feels possible.