Nigel Farage said that “giving up the Chagos Islands is a strategic disaster” (Image: Getty)
Reform MP Nigel Farage has joined Conservative MP Suella Braverman in ripping apart the announcement that the UK will hand over sovereignty of Chagos Islands to Mauritius. He slammed Kier Starmer’s Government and said that that it will make America “furious”.
In response to the news he wrote: “Giving up the Chagos Islands is a strategic disaster. Our American allies will be furious and Beijing delighted. Labour are making the world a more dangerous place.”
The intial plans to transfer sovereignty reopened in November 2022, with former Home Secretary under ‘s Government. The Chagos Islands are a remote but strategically important cluster of islands in the Indian Ocean, discussions over its control have continued for more than 50 years
The historic move was reached after years of negotations and includes the tropical atoll of Diego Garcia, used by the US government as a military base for its navy ships and long-range bomber aircraft. It has been reported that the announcment was made in a joint statement by Kier Starmer and the Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth.
Giving up the Chagos Islands is a strategic disaster. Our American allies will be furious and Beijing delighted. Labour are making the world a more dangerous place.
— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage)
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It seems as though Nigel’s concern over our American allies is currently unfounded. As Secretary Antony Blinke said that the move was a “win for diplomacy”.
He wrote: “Today’s new agreement between Mauritus and the UK on the status of the Chos Archipelago is a win for diplomacy. It secures th eoperational future of the joint military facility on Diego Garcia, reflecting our shared commitment to a secure and independent Indo-Pacific region.”
President also released a statement on the news. He said that it showed that “countries can overcome long-standing historical challenges to reach peaceful and mutually beneficial outcomes”.
In a statement released by the White House he wrote: “I applaud the historic agreement and conclusion of the negotiations between the Republic of Mauritius and the United Kingdom on the status of the Chagos Archipelago. It is a clear demonstration that through diplomacy and partnership, countries can overcome long-standing historical challenges to reach peaceful and mutually beneficial outcomes. This agreement affirms Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, while granting the United Kingdom the authority to exercise the sovereign rights of Mauritius with respect to Diego Garcia.
“Diego Garcia is the site of a joint U.S.-UK military facility that plays a vital role in national, regional, and global security. It enables the United States to support operations that demonstrate our shared commitment to regional stability, provide rapid response to crises, and counter some of the most challenging security threats we face. The agreement secures the effective operation of the joint facility on Diego Garcia into the next century.
“We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Mauritius and the United Kingdom in upholding a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
President Biden and Secretary Blinken said that the Chagos treaty was a ‘win’ (Image: Getty)
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But not everyone agrees with the US and others are on Nigel’s side.
Conservative MP and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman also took to X (Twitter) to brutally slam Prime Minister Kier Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy. She called the move a ‘shameful decision’ and called David Lammy ‘China’s useful idiot’.
Suella is furious at the move, saying that it “severly undermines UK national security”.
She wrote: This is a shameful decision. Starmer’s reckless capitulation over the Chagos Islands severely undermines UK national security. We all knew Lammy was weak but now it’s official: he’s China’s useful idiot too. A dark day for our country’s sovereignty.”
The statement read: “This is a seminal moment in our relationship” (Image: Getty)
The US-UK base will remain on Diego Garcia – a key factor enabling the deal to go forward at a time of growing geopolitical rivalries in the region between Western countries, India, and China.
The deal is still subject to finalisation of a treaty, but both sides have promised to complete it as quickly as possible. As part of the deal, the UK will provide a package of financial support to Mauritius, including annual payments and infrastructure investment.
The statement from the Prime Ministers read: “This is a seminal moment in our relationship and a demonstration of our enduring commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes and the rule of law.”
They also said they were committed “to ensure the long-term, secure and effective operation of the existing base on Diego Garcia which plays a vital role in regional and global security” and that the treaty “address wrongs of the past and demonstrate the commitment of both parties to support the welfare of Chagossians”.
This is a shameful decision.Starmer’s reckless capitulation over the Chagos Islands severely undermines UK national security.We all knew Lammy was weak but now it’s official: he’s China’s useful idiot too.A dark day for our country’s sovereignty.
— Suella Braverman MP (@SuellaBraverman)
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the benefits of the deal included closing “a potential illegal migration route”. This is related to dozens of Sri Lankan Tamils, who have been held in a fenced camp on the island for three years as complex legal battles are waged over their fate.
It is unclear what this news will mean for them.
Mauritius will also be able to begin a programme of resettlement on the Chagos Islands. This will not be the case on Diego Garcia, where the UK will ensure operation of the military base for “an initial period” of 99 years.