What’s the Falklands oil project at the heart of latest UK-Argentina spat?

The UK says it will defend its interests at the Law of the Sea Tribunal hearing, as Argentina seeks measures to block the offshore project. The United Kingdom has pledged to defend its interests in the Sea Lion project to develop an oilfield near the Falkland Islands, as Argentina has brought a legal challenge before a tribunal over the offshore oil exploration, citing environmental concerns.

Reeves also said Argentina’s objection to the development was rooted in its territorial claims. “The hearing is not about the sovereignty of the Falklands,” the UK prime minister’s official spokesman said on Monday, echoing his country’s position that the island’s sovereignty is not up for negotiation.

The dispute is the latest in rising tensions between the UK and Argentina over the British overseas territory in the South Atlantic Ocean. The UK’s Rockhopper Exploration and Israel’s Navitas Petroleum, operator of the Sea Lion oilfield, located about 220km (137 miles) from the islands, are expected to start the project in March 2027, with oil production to begin in 2028.