The United Kingdom has announced plans to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius while retaining a 99-year lease over the strategically important UK-US military airbase on Diego Garcia, the largest island. This decision marks a significant chapter in the ongoing negotiations between the UK and Mauritius, a former colony from which the UK took control of the Chagos Islands in 1965. The arrangement has been a subject of intense debate, given historical and geopolitical implications.
In 1965, the UK evicted over 1,000 inhabitants from the Chagos Islands to facilitate the establishment of the Diego Garcia military base. The base remains a joint UK-US military operation, crucial for strategic purposes. However, the UK's administration of the territory has faced international scrutiny, with the United Nations' highest court ruling it "unlawful." Despite this, Mauritius has consistently asserted its claim over the islands.
Negotiations for a new deal have been underway, with the UK's lease payments potentially linked to inflation and structured to be frontloaded. Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam expressed optimism about the agreement's approval. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated his intention to "push ahead" with the renegotiated terms. The UK's Foreign Office has firmly rejected claims that lease payments could increase dramatically from £9 billion to £18 billion.
"The UK will only sign a deal that is in our national interest." – UK Foreign Office spokesperson
The financial aspects of the deal have sparked controversy in the UK. Dame Priti Patel, a prominent political figure, criticized the proposed agreement, expressing concern about its implications for taxpayers and national dignity.
"The audacity to tell the British people they will foot the bill and pay for the indignity of his surrender of the Chagos Islands, as he isolates the new US administration by bending the knee to Mauritius and emboldening our enemies with his disastrous surrender deal" – Dame Priti Patel
Additionally, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously voiced reservations about the renegotiated deal, citing potential threats to US security. This led to a temporary pause in discussions as the UK consulted with new US President Donald Trump.
"Absolutely right" – Downing Street (referring to the US considering the deal)
Critics within the UK have called for transparency and accountability regarding negotiations. Kemi Badenoch urged Prime Minister Starmer to present details to Parliament candidly.
"Come to Parliament and be honest with MPs" – Kemi Badenoch
Nigel Farage also raised concerns about how the deal might affect the UK's standing with its ally.
"Our value to America would become considerably reduced" – Nigel Farage
Dame Priti Patel further highlighted a perceived lack of communication and transparency from the government.
"The government of Mauritius and the people of Mauritius seem to know more about this deal than the British public, the British taxpayer and even people in our own parliament" – Dame Priti Patel