Labour has postponed finalizing a deal to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius until Donald Trump returns to the White House. Downing Street argues that Trump's incoming administration should have the opportunity to review the agreement, which involves handing over the Indian Ocean archipelago that houses a crucial US-UK military base. This decision follows criticism from Trump allies regarding Labour's draft deal with Mauritius, a country perceived as aligning with China.
Labour has stated that it will not finalize a deal to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius until Donald Trump returns to the White House. Downing Street acknowledged that it is now appropriate for Trump's incoming administration to scrutinize the terms of an agreement that would hand over the Indian Ocean archipelago.
This announcement comes after allies of Trump criticized Labour's draft deal with Mauritius, a nation viewed as aligning with China, over islands that house a vital US-UK military base. Initially, there were reports that Sir Keir Starmer was attempting to finalize the agreement before Trump's inauguration on January 20th, having received approval for the deal from current US President Joe Biden. However, this will no longer occur. The Prime Minister previously faced a setback when the newly elected Mauritian leader, Navin Ramgoolam, who won a decisive victory in November, criticized the terms of the inherited deal. Subsequent negotiations have been ongoing between the UK and the new Mauritian administration, with a Mauritian negotiating team scheduled to return to London this week.Sir Keir Starmer was recently criticized for allegations that Labour is prepared to pay nearly £9 billion to Mauritius for a 99-year lease of Diego Garcia, the military base located on the largest of the Chagos Islands. Reports suggest that Labour is offering approximately £90 million annually for the initial lease, amounting to a total of £8.9 billion. There are also claims that Labour has proposed to make an upfront payment to Mauritius as an incentive to finalize the agreement. During Prime Minister's Questions, Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, questioned Sir Keir about the cost of the Chagos deal. She argued that the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, should consider cutting this expenditure and criticized the rush toward a deal that would result in a multi-billion pound bill for taxpayers.Badenoch asked why British citizens should be required to pay for something that already belongs to them. Sir Keir responded that the Labour party inherited a situation where the long-term operation of the military base was under threat due to legal challenges. He explained that the negotiations were initiated by the previous government, and the then-Foreign Secretary had informed Parliament about the rationale behind the negotiations and their objectives.Sir Keir stated that the aim was to secure the continued effective operation of the base, which is precisely what the deal has achieved. However, Badenoch countered that Sir Keir is solely responsible for this inadequate agreement. Following the parliamentary exchanges, the Prime Minister's official spokesperson stated that the UK would only agree to a deal that serves the country's best interests and safeguards national security. He emphasized that it is now appropriate for the new US administration to have the opportunity to consider and discuss this matter once they assume office. The spokesperson declined to confirm whether this meant the UK would not sign a deal before Trump officially begins his presidency, but reiterated that it is important for the new US administration to be involved.The spokesperson refrained from suggesting that Trump would have a veto on the deal, stating that it is reasonable for the new US administration to review the details and that discussions would be held with them. Ministers have remained silent on the cost to the UK for leasing the Diego Garcia military base under the proposed deal. At a cabinet meeting in Port Louis, it was decided that Mauritian Attorney General Gavin Glover would return to the UK for further negotiations. In a statement following the meeting of Mr. Ramgoolam's senior ministers, the Mauritian government announced that Glover would travel back to London to continue discussions. Upon his return, the cabinet would be briefed on the situation.
CHAOS ISLANDS MAURITIUS LABOUR PARTY DONALD TRUMP UK POLITICS FOREIGN POLICY MILITARY BASES
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