Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has announced plans to protect UK businesses and individuals from Argentine measures aimed at lawful commercial activity connected to the Falkland Islands.
The Government is preparing secondary legislation under the Protection of Trading Interests framework. It aims to bring the measures into force before the end of 2026.
The proposed rules would protect UK persons and companies from pressure to comply with specified Argentine domestic measures that seek to operate beyond Argentina's borders.
Ministers said the intervention would not restrict lawful trade with Argentina. Its stated purpose is to prevent firms from being compelled to act against commercial activity that is lawful under UK rules.
Officials are engaging with affected businesses while the legislation is prepared. Decisions about natural resources and economic development in the islands remain matters for the Falkland Islands Government and the companies involved.
Reynolds said the Government would act when Argentina sought to impede lawful UK commercial activity. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband also backed the measure, linking it to the islanders' right to self-determination and economic development.
