Overview
- The UK government has paused the sovereignty transfer of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, citing fears of a political backlash from Labour MPs over planned welfare cuts.
- The proposed agreement includes leasing back Diego Garcia, home to a key US-UK military base, for 99 years at an estimated cost of £90 million annually, totaling £9 billion over a century.
- Labour backbenchers have raised concerns about the deal's timing, with up to 170 MPs warning they could oppose or abstain on welfare reforms if the agreement proceeds.
- Critics have highlighted security concerns over Mauritius's growing ties with China, warning of potential risks to the military base's operations and intelligence activities.
- Legal challenges from Chagossians and opposition from some political factions further complicate the deal, which remains in limbo despite being deemed ready to sign in April 2025.