Official diplomatic communications or agreements

Keir Starmer's Decision to Cede Chagos Islands to Mauritius Sparks UK Security Concerns

Oct 3, 2024, 12:02 PM

The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has decided to cede sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, sparking a significant political controversy. The decision has drawn criticism from various political figures, including Tory leadership candidates who argue that it threatens UK security and undermines the UK's special relationship with the US. The Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, defended the move, stating that it respects international law while maintaining the US-UK military base on Diego Garcia. The negotiations, initiated by former Foreign Secretary James Cleverly in November 2022, were concluded swiftly, with Jonathan Powell appointed as the special envoy less than a month ago. Critics argue that the decision was made without proper parliamentary scrutiny, as Parliament is currently in recess. The controversy has also led to concerns about potential future territorial concessions, such as Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands. Tony Blair's quote, 'Britain is too small. We mustn't lose any more territory,' has resurfaced amidst this debate. The announcement coincides with the start of a general election campaign in Mauritius.