Sir Keir Starmer faced scrutiny over the cost of the Chagos Islands deal amid claims from Mauritius’ Prime Minister about payment modifications. The Conservative and Reform UK leaders criticized the deal during PMQs, while Starmer underscored its importance for the UK-US military base. The financial terms remain controversial, with varied reports on the negotiated costs.
Sir Keir Starmer faced significant criticism during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) following statements from the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navin Ramgoolam. Ramgoolam claimed that the United Kingdom had agreed to modify the payment terms of their accord regarding the Chagos Islands, suggesting adjustments to the payment schedule and calculation method. As the UK scales back winter fuel payments for pensioners, the Conservative Party, alongside Reform UK leaders, seized upon this development to attack Starmer’s leadership.
Starmer defended the necessity of the agreement, emphasizing that it was vital to maintain the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, which is under a 99-year lease. The ceding of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, officially known as the British Indian Ocean Territory, was first articulated last October under a deal with the previous Mauritian leader, Pravind Jugnauth. However, following his electoral defeat, the current Prime Minister, Ramgoolam, has criticized the initial terms of the draft agreement.
The negotiations surrounding the agreement have become more complex in light of the political landscape, particularly following Donald Trump’s electoral victory and the implications it may have on security in the region. Mauritius reported its readiness to finalize the deal last month; however, the UK government requested to delay the signing to allow Trump time to review the terms. Press accounts estimate the deal’s cost to be around £9 billion.
In a statement to the Mauritian Parliament, Prime Minister Ramgoolam articulated concerns regarding the revised payment structure, asserting that the payments will now reflect a variable exchange rate rather than a fixed one. This adjustment, he argued, is crucial to protect against inflation. “What’s the point of getting money and then having half of it at the end?” he questioned, reflecting his dissatisfaction with the previous agreement’s terms.
While both the UK and Mauritian governments have denied claims that the deal’s cost has surged to £18 billion, they have not provided a concrete alternative figure. Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservatives, questioned Starmer at PMQs, stating, “Yesterday, we heard the government offered £18bn for Mauritius to take our territory in the Chagos Islands.” She criticized Starmer’s actions by comparing the financial support to Mauritius with cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners.
In his defense, Starmer highlighted that international rulings have cast doubt on the future operation of the Diego Garcia base. However, the Conservative Party and Reform UK rebutted this, asserting that no substantive international judgment has been made regarding the sovereignty dispute. Ultimately, Starmer stressed that the functionality of the military base would be compromised without an agreement to transfer sovereignty.
The controversy surrounding the Chagos Islands stems from historical and geopolitical factors involving the United Kingdom and Mauritius. The islands, part of the British Indian Ocean Territory, have been a point of contention since the UK established a military base on Diego Garcia, which reportedly facilitates critical military operations. The debate intensified when Mauritius sought to reclaim sovereignty over the islands, leading to negotiations that are now complicated by shifts in political power in both the UK and Mauritius, along with concerns about US-China relations and military strategy in the region.
The situation regarding the Chagos Islands deal highlights the challenging dynamics between UK governance, international relations, and domestic pressures. Starmer’s commitment to ensuring a military presence in the region contrasts sharply with the criticisms from opposition leaders amid financial cutbacks. As negotiations continue, the necessity of clear communication and transparent terms will be pivotal in addressing both national security and public concerns.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
