Rishi Sunak has criticised the EU for a “regrettable choice of words” after it appeared to endorse the Argentine name for the Falkland Islands.

The prime minister’s official spokesman said his view was it would have been “entirely unacceptable for the EU to question the Falkland Islanders’ right to decide their own future”.

A diplomatic row risked breaking out after the EU referred to the disputed territory as Islas Malvinas in a declaration that was agreed at a recent summit.

The declaration – agreed at the European Union and the Community of Latin American and the Caribbean states (Celac) earlier this week – read: “Regarding the question of sovereignty over the Islas Malvinas/Falkland Islands, the European Union took note of Celac’s historical position based on the importance of dialogue and respect for international law in the peaceful solution of disputes.”

Mr Sunak’s spokesman said the EU had now “clarified that their position on the Falklands has not changed”.

“To be clear, the Falkland Islands are British, that was the choice of the islanders themselves,” they said.

“The EU has rightly now clarified that their position on the Falklands has not changed after their regrettable choice of words.

Falklands War: Remembering the friends who never made it to breakfast

Liz Truss says Falklands are part of ‘British family’, as China backs Argentina’s claim over islands after meeting during Beijing Olympics

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee: Surprise challengers revealed as battle to earn city status goes global

“And just as a reminder, in the 2013 referendum, 99.8% of islanders voted to be part of the UK family. It’s a position supported by international law and the UN Charter which is binding on all UN members.

“And we will continue to defend the Falklands’ right to self-determination in all international forums and have called on the EU to respect the democratic rights of the Falkland Islands.”

He added: “The concern is any suggestion that EU states would recognise Argentina’s claims on the Falklands, which they have now clarified is incorrect.”

Both the UK and Argentina lay claim to the Falkland Islands, fighting a war in 1982 that culminated in the deaths of 255 British service personnel and 649 Argentines .

The 40th anniversary of the war was marked last year.

The Falkland Islands is officially classified as a British Overseas Territory, a position the EU reaffirmed in the 2009 Lisbon Treaty.

Related posts:

Cummings denies being source of leaks, accuses PM of ‘possibly illegal’ plans over flat revamp ‘It stinks’: PM faces inquiry demand into Downing Street flat refurb funding School bubbles to be scrapped in next stage of lifting COVID restrictions Public sector pay freeze will end, chancellor to announce in budget Funeral for MP Sir David Amess to be held at Westminster Cathedral next month PM awaits his fate as Sue Gray’s partygate report expected this week Raab claims PM can’t answer partygate questions because he might prejudice police investigation Nadhim Zahawi says he would ‘certainly’ offer Boris Johnson a cabinet role if elected What are Rishi Sunak’s first priorities as PM? Firefighters strike averted as they accept 12% pay rise Trans women could be barred from some female-only spaces as govt considers law change Post-Brexit checks on goods from EU into UK to be reduced