Sir Keir Starmer. (Image: Getty)
A shocking new graph has revealed how could be spent on domestic priorities instead as pressure piles onto Sir .
Shared by GB News journalist Tom Harwood on X, the graph compares the “true cost of Chagos” with potential allocations such as restoring , doubling medical school places, funding free bus travel nationwide, and even covering the cost of a new Type 31 frigate.
Harwood said in the caption alongside the graph: “Here’s what we could get for YOUR money that the government is reportedly going to needlessly send to Mauritius.”
He later added in a separate tweet: “Giving Mauritius £18 billion works out as £350 million per week.”
Critics also argue the money could be better spent domestically, especially during times of financial strain.
:
Here’s what we could get for YOUR money that the government is reportedly going to needlessly send to Mauritius.From Winter Fuel Payments to a Leeds Tram system and a new Type 31 Frigate, look what’s being thrown away. Via
— Tom Harwood (@tomhfh)
The graph shows the £18 billion could cover multiple high-priority projects, from improving public transportation to supporting vulnerable people through increased child benefits and universal free school meals.
The reported price of the deal has also sparked further controversy. Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam claimed inflation had driven the cost above the previously reported £9 billion, suggesting the agreement could end up costing even more than expected.
Currently, the deal involves giving away the islands but leasing the Diego Garcia air base for £90 million a year for 99 years, according to previous reports. However, Mr Ramgoolam claimed that this payment would increase each year for the next decade due to an inflation-linked agreement.
He said: “The previous package was very badly negotiated. It seems somebody who didn’t know that inflation existed. [The deal] has to be inflation-proof. What’s the point of getting money and then having half of it by the end?”
, calling them “inaccurate and misleading”. A spokesperson told the : “The UK will only sign a deal that is in our best interest.
“There has been no change to the terms of extension in the treaty.”
However, Sir Keir himself said that the payment is essential to secure the future of the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the Chagos Archipelago.
During Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, the Prime Minister explained that international rulings had cast doubt on the UK’s continued sovereignty over the islands.
Don’t miss… [REPORT]
??????Keir and his mates are colluding against the British people to surrender the Chagos IslandsThe cast of characters involved in this ‘negotiation’ absolutely stink – and they all link back to Starmer ??????Representing the Mauritian Government as their lead negotiator is Philippe…
— Robert Jenrick (@RobertJenrick)
He argued that without the agreement, the military base’s operations would be jeopardised.
Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam recently claimed the UK agreed to amend the payment terms, including front-loading payments and adjusting for variable exchange rates.
While reports suggest this could , both UK and Mauritian officials have denied this, though they have not provided alternative figures.
Diego Garcia Base on Chagos Islands. (Image: Getty)
criticised the expenditure, saying: “He’s freezing pensioners, while shovelling money to Mauritius,” referencing cuts to .
However, the government maintains the deal is strategically necessary.
Sir Keir stressed that securing the military base’s future was paramount. He said: “The base would be unable to operate in practical terms as it should unless the UK agreed to cede sovereignty.”