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last mo.

UK Finalizes Chagos Deal, Faces Criticism Over £30 Billion Cost and Security Risks

The treaty transfers sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, with a 99-year leaseback of Diego Garcia, sparking disputes over financial transparency and military implications.

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Campaigners say they were not consulted over the treaty to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands
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Overview

  • The UK government signed a treaty on May 22, ceding sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while securing a 99-year leaseback for the Diego Garcia military base.
  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been accused of misleading the public by presenting the deal's cost as £3.4 billion in net present value, while critics argue the nominal cost exceeds £30 billion.
  • The treaty includes a clause requiring the UK to inform Mauritius of any military attacks launched from Diego Garcia, raising concerns about operational security and potential Chinese influence.
  • The United States, which operates the base jointly with the UK, is reportedly not contributing financially to the agreement, intensifying criticism of the deal's terms.
  • Legal challenges by campaigners, including a brief High Court injunction, have highlighted concerns over the lack of consultation with displaced Chagossians and the treaty's expedited parliamentary ratification process.