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3mo ago

UK Delays Chagos Islands Sovereignty Deal Over Political Fallout

The agreement to transfer the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius is stalled due to concerns over welfare cuts and Labour MP opposition.

Under the deal, Britain will cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius but lease back Diego Garcia, which is the site of a UK-US military base
As part of the deal, Britain will cede ownership of the islands to Mauritius
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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.