Sir Keir Starmer Criticized Over Chagos Islands Payment Terms
Sir Keir Starmer has been criticized for the UK’s Chagos Islands deal following Mauritian PM Navin Ramgoolam’s claims of altered payment terms. The Conservative and Reform UK leaders raised concerns about the deal’s cost amidst cuts to pensioner payments. Starmer defended the agreement, linking it to the future of the Diego Garcia military base and emphasizing its necessity for security. The situation has become complex following political changes in Mauritius and potential international implications.
Sir Keir Starmer has faced criticism during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) following claims by the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navin Ramgoolam, that the United Kingdom has agreed to modify payment terms in the deal regarding the Chagos Islands. Ramgoolam stated that the UK has consented to front-load payments and alter the calculation methods for these payments, raising concerns among critics.
The Conservative Party and Reform UK leaders criticized Sir Keir over the deal’s costs, particularly as winter fuel payments for pensioners are being reduced. Responding to these criticisms, Sir Keir asserted that the adjustments were necessary to ensure the future of the US-UK military base located at Diego Garcia, which is retained on a 99-year lease by the UK.
The shift in control of the Chagos Islands—referred to officially as the British Indian Ocean Territory—was first announced in October after a deal with then-Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth. However, following Jugnauth’s recent loss in the general election, the new government under Ramgoolam has expressed dissatisfaction with the original agreement.
The situation has also been complicated by the geopolitical climate, particularly in light of Donald Trump’s return to the presidency when some Republican officials argued that handing over the islands could enhance China’s security position. Mauritius claimed it was prepared to finalize the deal last month, but the UK requested a delay to allow Trump to evaluate it.
The UK government has refrained from commenting on the estimated costs of the agreement, which media reports suggest could amount to £9 billion. In response, Ramgoolam indicated that the payments, originally set in dollars, would now utilize a variable exchange rate, claiming that the previous terms were not sufficiently protective against inflation.
Both the UK and Mauritian administrations have denied claims that this change has resulted in an increase of the effective deal cost from £9 billion to £18 billion; however, no alternative figures have been provided. During the PMQs, Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, highlighted these discussions, arguing that Sir Keir is neglecting pensioners while transferring substantial funds to Mauritius.
In turn, Sir Keir noted potential international rulings that could impact the operational capacity of the Diego Garcia base if sovereignty is not ceded. Nevertheless, the Conservative Party and Reform UK have contested this assertion, stating that there has not been a definitive ruling issued by international judges. Sir Keir maintains that negotiating sovereignty is essential for the base’s continued effective operation.
The Chagos Islands have been a point of contention between the UK and Mauritius for decades, especially following the relocation of the indigenous population to accommodate a military base used by the United States. In recent developments, the UK has negotiated with Mauritius regarding the sovereignty of these islands, intending to formalize an agreement that could alter the dynamics of military operations and regional security. The recent political changes in Mauritius, following a general election, have prompted a re-examination of previously established agreements and the associated financial implications for both nations.
The ongoing discourse surrounding the Chagos Islands deal has intensified as Sir Keir Starmer defends the changes made amid criticisms regarding costs and priorities. While the UK government asserts that adjustments are necessary for national security, opposition leaders challenge the financial and humanitarian implications of the agreement. As the situation evolves, it remains crucial to monitor the geopolitical landscape and its influence on sovereignty negotiations and military strategies in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
