Downing Street has stated that the UK’s planned transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius should be reviewed by incoming US President Donald Trump before proceeding.
Efforts were made to secure the treaty before Trump’s inauguration on Monday, with expectations that the Mauritian cabinet would approve the proposal on Wednesday.
However, the UK intends to hand over the islands, while maintaining a 99-year lease for the joint UK-US military airbase on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the group.
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended the move, stating it was “perfectly reasonable” for the US administration to review any such agreement.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel, however, labelled the development a “complete humiliation” for the Prime Minister, accusing Labour of trying to finalise the handover before Trump returned to office.
The deal has faced criticism from various politicians, including the incoming US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who warned it could jeopardise US security by allowing the islands to fall under a country allied with China.
Although Trump has not publicly commented, Reform UK leader and Trump ally Nigel Farage warned the deal could harm Sir Keir’s relations with the new US president. At Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir defended the deal, emphasising that negotiations began under the previous Conservative government and asserting that it would best protect the military base.
Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam had been expected to approve the agreement during a cabinet meeting, but the announcement was later made that his attorney general would travel to London to continue talks.
The UK assumed control of the Chagos Islands in 1965, displacing more than 1,000 residents to make way for the Diego Garcia base. Mauritius, having gained independence in 1968, has always claimed the islands, and the UN’s highest court has ruled the UK’s administration as “unlawful.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised Sir Keir, accusing him of “negotiating a secret deal to surrender British territory” and claiming it would cost taxpayers billions. The financial cost of the deal has not been disclosed, but Sir Keir countered that the agreement was essential for the continued operation of the military base.
The UK and Mauritius announced a deal in October, following years of negotiations, but Ramgoolam raised concerns after his election, requesting an independent review.
The agreement aims to address past injustices and reaffirm both countries’ commitment to supporting Chagossian welfare. Some Chagossians have criticised the deal, saying they were not consulted in the negotiations. Under the proposed terms, Mauritius will be able to begin resettlement on the islands, excluding Diego Garcia.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has called the deal a “very good deal” for national security, securing the legal standing of the Diego Garcia military base.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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