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

The prime minister's official spokesman mentioned his view was that it might 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 current summit.

The declaration - agreed on the European Union and the Community of Latin American and the Caribbean states (Celac) earlier this week - learn: "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 mentioned 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 mentioned.

"The EU has rightly now clarified that their place on the Falklands has not modified after their regrettable alternative of phrases.

"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 are going to proceed to defend the Falklands' proper to self-determination in all worldwide boards and have known as 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."