Keir Starmer and David Lammy have damaged our security with foolish move (Image: Leon Neal/PA Wire)
Labour’s decision to hand sovereignty of British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius is a strategically foolish move – damaging our national security.
But what concerned me even more than the decision itself is the way Ministers handled it.
Labour announced their plan while Parliament is in recess – meaning the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary did not have to turn up to face questions.
It appears they deliberately shielded themselves from having to explain to Parliament their decision to give away British territory.
Moreover, I am deeply concerned that the Labour Government may have kept the full picture from Parliament.
I asked the relevant Minister back in July what discussions they had had with the government of Mauritius over British Indian Ocean Territory – and what their policy position was.
They told me it was “too early to speculate” on the outcome of negotiations. On 9 September – just last month – I asked again, demanding clarity on their plans, and specifically what assessment they have made of the military and security impact of negotiations between the UK and Mauritius.
Not only did they fail to give the assessment I sought, the Labour Minister also, once again, told me it was ‘too early to speculate’. This was on 24 September.
Just 9 days later, on 3 October, Labour announced they would hand over sovereignty to Mauritius.
This does not add up. To go from ‘too early to speculate’ to the announcement of the handover in just 9 days is deeply concerning – they must have known what the outcome of negotiations would be.
I am afraid I believe the Government may not have been straight with me.
There is only one way to resolve this situation properly – there must be a vote in parliament on the decision to cede sovereignty of British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius.
It is now commonly accepted that in some situations there has to be a vote in parliament before UK military action.
I believe there should be a vote in parliament before any British territory is given away.
This must take place on Monday when Parliament returns from recess.