A fiery debate erupted on GB News as Eamonn Holmes and Ellie Costello hosted political commentators Imarn Ayton and Rafe Heydel-Mankoo to discuss the controversial agreement between the UK and Mauritius to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands.
The Chagos Islands, a British-controlled archipelago in the Indian Ocean, have long been a point of diplomatic and legal contention, with Mauritius pressing for their return. The deal, hailed by some as a diplomatic achievement for the newly elected Labour government, has also sparked criticism over its strategic and financial implications, as per reports Daily Express.
Holmes kicked off the discussion by asking the panel, “Why do we need the Chagos Islands?” Heydel-Mankoo quickly responded, arguing their strategic importance: “They are strategically crucial for the Western alliance.” Ayton, however, interjected, challenging the necessity of Britain’s control: “For America, not for the UK.”
Holmes then turned to the financial aspect, pressing Heydel-Mankoo: “If the money was yours, Rafe, would you pay it?” Heydel-Mankoo sidestepped the direct question, instead pointing to domestic financial concerns: “Look, allegedly, we have an £18 million black hole the Labour government keeps talking about.”
Ayton fired back, highlighting the cost of maintaining British control over the islands: “We are leasing it for the US. We are paying money for the lease!” Holmes then put the matter bluntly, asking: “Keep or get rid of?” Ayton’s response was unequivocal: “Get rid of.”
At the time of its announcement, the agreement was viewed as a significant diplomatic victory for Labour, bringing closure to a decades-long dispute. It also offered the possibility of allowing the Chagossian people to return to their homeland, more than 50 years after they were forcibly removed to make way for a U.S. military base on Diego Garcia.
However, the deal now faces mounting uncertainty. Since its signing, the Mauritian government that initially negotiated the agreement has been replaced, with the new administration expressing scepticism about its viability and benefits.
Additionally, final approval hinges on the United States, which maintains a crucial military presence on Diego Garcia. While the Biden administration backed the agreement in October, the previous Trump administration had expressed concerns about the strategic risks of transferring sovereignty, casting doubt over the deal’s stability.
Domestically, Labour is also facing criticism over the financial terms of the agreement, with increasing scrutiny over why Britain is expected to pay an estimated £9 billion to finalize the transfer. Critics argue that the sum is excessive, particularly at a time when the government is emphasizing fiscal responsibility.
As debates over the Chagos Islands continue, the agreement remains in limbo, with both international and domestic factors threatening to derail Labour’s diplomatic victory before it can be fully realized.
