Britain’s anticipation of a deal over the Chagos Islands is uncertain as Labor negotiators seek Mauritian support ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Last-minute discussions revealed possible concessions, including a reduction in the lease term for military bases and substantial costs to taxpayers, estimated at £9bn. As confidence wanes among British officials, concerns are raised about the deal’s implications for UK-US relations and security, amid fears of ceding influence to China. Opposition figures criticized Labor for perceived secrecy and lack of consultation with Chagossians, urging ministers to avoid hasty agreements before finalizing the accord.
Britain’s surrender of the Chagos Islands was in jeopardy last night, just days before President Donald Trump returned to the White House.
Labor had agreed to new concessions in last-minute talks in a desperate bid to win the support of the Mauritian government.
Ministers were keen to fast-track a deal ahead of next week’s inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has been urged to intervene to protect British and American military bases in the archipelago.
But last night, hours before ministers in the Mauritian capital Port Louis were expected to sign the new proposal, it was claimed Britain could delay finalizing the deal to seek Mr Trump’s approval. This was an unusual development.
Despite his relentless attacks on the Labor government, he has not commented on the deal, nor has his ally Elon Musk.
However, Republican Senator John Kennedy posted on social media yesterday: “The British left is rushing to transfer strategic US military bases in the Indian Ocean before Trump takes office and could block the deal.” I wrote.
Keir Starmer may delay signing Chagos Islands deal as he seeks Donald Trump’s approval
There are fears that the Labor Party has agreed to further concessions in last-minute talks in a desperate bid to persuade the Mauritian government (Photo: Diego Garcia, largest of the Chagos archipelago)
Despite his relentless attacks on the Labor government, Trump has not commented on the deal or on his ally Elon Musk.
The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) or the Chagos Islands (formerly the Oil Islands) is a British overseas territory located in the Indian Ocean midway between Africa and Indonesia.
According to the Financial Times, confidence among British government officials that a deal will be secured by Monday is waning.
This comes after reports that Labor had “yielded” to demands in recent negotiations and agreed to halve the length of the 99-year lease that would allow military bases in the Chagos Islands to continue operating. is.
Huge upfront payments are also said to have been agreed, with the deal costing taxpayers up to £9bn.
But Labor was warned last night that this could damage Britain’s relationship with the next US government, raising fears the archipelago could be handed over to China’s allies.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel said: [Labour has] Being bullied into giving up sovereignty over the Chagos Islands by Mauritius is the most shameful failure of British diplomacy this century.
“Billions of pounds of British taxpayers’ money are being wasted and national security is at risk.”
He added: “This will damage our relationship with the United States.” Labor has been negotiating in secret, and we now know why. They seem willing to pay more and give up the limited control they claimed. ”
Opposition leaders, including Nigel Farage and Suela Braverman, also signed an open letter to Labor ministers, accusing them of secrecy and failing to consult Chagossians. He urged them to “stop any hasty agreements.”