UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Britain and Mauritius report progress on a Chagos Islands agreement, with the UK retaining Diego Garcia for 99 years, though Mauritius wants changes.
The British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s efforts to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius face delays, as both governments admit they haven’t agreed on the deal yet.
On Monday, both countries reported progress in talks over the islands’ sovereignty, including the future of a U.S.-British military base, with London aiming to finalize the agreement before newly elected President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Labour’s bid to end British colonial rule on the Indian Ocean islands is backed by the Biden administration, while the new Trump team is working to block the deal.
As reported by Reuters, newly appointed Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam has openly criticized the deal.
The new government in Mauritius has rejected an agreement with Foreign Secretary David Lammy and the previous government. As a result, new talks are being held, but the UK’s promise to pay early for the Diego Garcia base lease has not yielded any results.
What did the UK and Mauritius governments say?
A joint statement issued by the British government on behalf of both countries states, “Representatives from Mauritius and the UK held further productive discussions in London this week on the future of the Chagos Archipelago. Good progress has been made, and discussions are ongoing to reach an agreement that is in both sides’ best interests.”
It continued,
“Both countries reiterated their commitment to concluding a treaty providing that Mauritius is sovereign over the Chagos Archipelago, and that would ensure the long-term, secure and effective operation of the base on Diego Garcia.”
Concerns grow over Diego Garcia in UK-Mauritius deal
Opponents of the proposed deal have raised concerns over the future of the Diego Garcia base, as an essential asset for Western defense in the Southern Hemisphere. Critics also worry it could open the door for a competing Chinese base in Mauritius.
At the same time, doubts persist over whether the UK and US can continue nuclear weapons due to Mauritius’ nuclear-free status.
Sir Keir and Foreign Minister David Lammy have argued that a 99-year lease deal with Mauritius is the best way to safeguard the future of the Diego Garcia base despite the ongoing backlash.
The former Conservative government launched negotiations after the International Court of Justice determined that the Chagos Islands should be handed over to Mauritius. However, critics have noted that the ruling holds no legal obligation and can be ignored.
Dame Priti Patel comments on joint statement
In response to the statement, the Conservative shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel stated,
“Keir Starmer and David Lammy’s Chagos giveaway will undermine our national interest and the defense and security of Britain and our allies.”
She added,
“The surrender of our sovereignty over Chagos not only leaves us exposed to greater security threats, but it is economically illiterate.”
Ms. Priti said that while public spending is under strain, they also agreed to spend billions of pounds leasing a site currently under British control.
Key aspects of the Chagos Islands deal
The Chagos Islands deal is an agreement between Britain and Mauritius over the control of the Chagos Archipelago, including the key Diego Garcia island.
- The UK will give the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius, fixing past wrongs.
- Britain keeps a 99-year lease on Diego Garcia for military use.
- The UK will assist Mauritius with money and infrastructure for resettling Chagossians.
- Some Chagossians may return to outer islands, addressing past removals.