Britain should open negotiations with Argentina over immigration to the Falklands and the distribution of natural resources in the south Atlantic, the actor Sean Penn says.

In a Guardian article, Penn criticises Britain for sending a message of "pre-emptive intimidation" to Argentina after the deployment of Prince William to the islands.

Penn has written for the Guardian after he was criticised for describing Britain's claim to sovereignty over the Falklands as "colonialist, ludicrous and archaic". The actor said his remarks had been distorted by the "transparently corrupt and non-diligent propaganda machine" of the British press.

But he said Britain should help Argentinians move to the Falklands. "The very people who suffered and fought most enduringly against this military junta in Argentina [which invaded the islands in 1982] are the ones who today lead that country, and on behalf of their people seek simply a fair and re-established diplomacy in issues of the disputed islands ranging from immigration to natural resources," Penn writes.

Penn accuses Britain of slowing down moves on immigration after oil discoveries. "The legalisation of Argentinian immigration to the Malvinas/Falkland Islands is one that it seems might have been addressed, but for the speculative discovery of booming offshore oil in the surrounding seas this past year."