Labour leader tells Argentina he’s in favour of Northern Ireland-style deal, while party spokesman says Labour is committed to self-determination

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

Jeremy Corbyn has told Argentinian diplomats he wants a Northern Ireland-style power-sharing deal for the Falkland Islands, according to reports.

Argentina’s outgoing ambassador to London, Alicia Castro, said the Labour leader “shares our concerns” and “he is one of ours”.

In an interview published on the Argentinian embassy’s website, Castro said Corbyn had visited the Argentinian embassy in London and was “friendly and humorous”.

“He is saying that dialogue [is] possible and that attitudes are beginning to change, that what was achieved in Northern Ireland can be achieved also here,” she said.

“His decisive leadership can guide the British public opinion to promote dialogue between the governments of the United Kingdom and Argentina.”

The Labour leader sparked controversy in a television interview last week by saying he wanted discussions on “some reasonable accommodation” with Argentina.

While saying the islanders should have an “enormous say” in any discussions on their future, he stopped short of saying they should have a veto over any new arrangements.

A shift in Labour policy on the future of the Falklands would inevitably inflame tensions between the leadership and those on the right of the party. The shadow foreign secretary, Hilary Benn, made clear his opposition to such a move.

Asked whether Benn would support a plan for a power-sharing deal, a spokesman told the Sunday Telegraph: “No. The Labour Party policy remains that the people of the Falkland Islands have the right to determine their own future.

“We are committed to upholding the right of the Falkland Islanders to self-determination, including by ensuring the defence of the islands. Hilary is not aware of any proposals for what you have called a ‘power-sharing deal’ in regard to the Falklands,” he added.

Corbyn faced barracking over his comments from Tory MPs at prime minister’s questions in the House of Commons, where David Cameron reaffirmed the government’s support for the islanders’ right to self-determination and rejection of Argentina’s claim to the Falklands, which Buenos Aires has maintained since the 1982 war.