A growing controversy surrounds Labour’s proposed plan to hand over the strategic Chagos Islands to Mauritius, an ally of China, which never controlled the territory in the first place. The Chagos Islands, which include Diego Garcia, host a critical UK-US military base, and the deal put forward by Sir Keir Starmer includes a long lease on the base. However, this move has raised serious concerns over the potential for Beijing to spy on the base, given Mauritius’ strong ties to China.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is the latest to criticize the proposed deal, stating that he would rather see the British territory sold to the United States than handed over to Mauritius. Even Foreign Secretary David Lammy has acknowledged that Washington has a veto over the deal, showing that the situation is far from straightforward, reported the Express.
While it’s true that the process of transferring the Chagos Islands began under the Conservative government, the proposal has gained momentum under Labour’s leadership. This plan, however, has exposed what some are calling a “Keir contradiction” in the Labour Party’s defence policy.
Just this week, Prime Minister Starmer announced a planned increase in the defence budget, aiming for a modest hike to 2.5% of economic output. While this is a step forward, the simultaneous proposal to give away a strategically vital territory in the Indian Ocean raises questions. The Chagos Islands, particularly Diego Garcia, are vital for military operations, yet Labour’s plans could see the lease terms reduced by Mauritius, potentially leaving the UK and US bases vulnerable to Chinese influence.
The scenario is troubling, with fears that Beijing could spy on military activities at Diego Garcia, especially in times of conflict. Some worry that China could even pressure Mauritius to push the UK and US out altogether. This situation begs the question: why would a British Prime Minister, already committing to increasing defence spending, consider weakening the country’s position by relinquishing control of such a strategically important location?
Critics have raised alarm over this contradiction, with fears that it could set a dangerous precedent. If Labour is willing to give away the Chagos Islands, what’s next? Will territories like Gibraltar or the Falklands be on the chopping block as well? The implications for Britain’s defence policy are vast, particularly at a time when global tensions, such as those surrounding China’s ambitions in Taiwan and the South China Sea, remain high.
Before the deal moves forward, critics argue that it needs to be halted, with many calling for an immediate review of the decision. The UK should prioritize its defence interests and safeguard strategic territories in a volatile world.
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