FURIOUS opposition Conservative Party members have criticised the UK government’s decision to cede sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer of ‘surrendering’ British strategic interests. Critics labelled the decision as a ‘dangerous capitulation’ that compromises national security by handing territory to ‘an ally of Beijing.’
James Cleverly, former Foreign Secretary, expressed his anger, calling the move ‘weak’ and accussed the Labour government of misleading the public. Similarly, Conservative leadership contender Tom Tugendhat described the deal as a ‘shameful retreat,’ arguing that it leaves UK allies vulnerable. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson also voiced concern that Mauritius could allow Chinese military influence, potentially compromising the strategic location of the archipelago.
The new agreement, finalised after years of negotiations, cedes sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius but retains the use of the Diego Garcia military base—an asset crucial to both UK and US operations—for at least 99 years. Foreign Secretary David Lammy defended the agreement, emphasising that it secures a vital military foothold and prevents any risk of the Indian Ocean becoming an illegal migration route to the UK.
‘Today’s agreement secures this vital military base for the future, safeguarding our role in global security,’ Lammy stated, adding that the pact would help strengthen the UK’s long-term partnership with Mauritius while ensuring ongoing operations at the Diego Garcia base.
Chagos Islands: a controversial history
The Chagos Islands have been under British control since 1814, but they were separated from Mauritius in 1965 just before Mauritius gained independence in 1968. Nearly 2,000 Chagossians were forcibly evicted in the early 1970s to make way for the military airbase on Diego Garcia, which Britain leased to the United States in 1966. The displaced islanders have been fighting for the right to return to their homeland ever since.
In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Britain should relinquish control of the islands, calling the eviction of the Chagossians unlawful. The ruling added significant international pressure on the UK to return the islands to Mauritius.
A joint statement from the UK and Mauritius confirmed that the agreement has the support of both the United States and India. The deal is seen as an important step in resolving a longstanding dispute, paving the way for the return of displaced islanders and the peaceful resettlement of the archipelago.
International and domestic reactions
US President Joe Biden welcomed the agreement, noting that it would ‘secure the effective operation’ of the Diego Garcia military base. The base is considered crucial for Western military strategy in the Indian Ocean, hosting navy ships and long-range bomber aircraft that play an essential role in regional security.
Despite this, the deal has faced fierce backlash from UK Conservatives, who argue that it represents a compromise of British interests and could open the door for Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean. Tom Tugendhat, in particular, claimed that the UK Foreign Office ‘negotiated against Britain’s interest’ and accused David Lammy of a ‘failure of leadership.’
The path forward for the chagossians
One significant aspect of the agreement is the long-awaited opportunity for the Chagossian people to return home. The joint statement from the UK and Mauritius indicated that the deal allows Mauritius to resettle the islands, ending decades of displacement for the Chagossians.
However, critics have voiced concerns about the practicalities and potential risks involved, particularly related to foreign military influence. Conservative MPs worry that this sovereignty transfer could result in new military agreements between Mauritius and China, undermining Western security interests in the region.
The agreement has also included provisions to curb illegal migration routes, with Mauritius taking responsibility for any future arrivals to the islands. The government noted that the Diego Garcia base has seen a small number of asylum seekers since 2021, and this measure is intended to help maintain stability and manage migration more effectively.
While the Labour government defends the sovereignty transfer as a means to resolve a contentious historical issue and maintain key military interests, Conservative members argue that it amounts to a dangerous concession that risks compromising the UK’s long-term strategic security. The future of the Chagos Islands, and particularly the fate of Diego Garcia, remains a point of debate as the UK navigates its role in a changing geopolitical landscape.
