Argentina Starts Legal Action Against UK Oil Companies

Tensions between London and Buenos Aires have again been raised after Argentina initiated legal proceedings against three British and two American companies drilling for oil and gas off the Falklands.

The announcement was made in the UK by Argentina's minister for the islands, Daniel Filmus.

Speaking to reporters Mr Filmus said the area being explored was "as much ours as the centre of Buenos Aires. 

"Neither the UK nor any other country would allow anyone to enter their territory and take away their riches."

Adding that the firms were "performing illegal acts by entering Argentine territory".

The Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has slammed the move as "an outrageous piece of bullying".

"It's an outrageous abuse of international procedure and we will take any action we can to resist it"

Mr Hammond went on to say that the Foreign Office was talking to the United States about what possible action to take.

Earlier this month Argentina's ambassador to the UK was summoned for a "dressing down" after legal threats were made against Rockhopper, Premier Oil and Falkland Oil and Gas by President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.