Keir Starmer is criticized for the escalating costs of the Chagos Islands deal with Mauritius. Mauritian PM Ramgoolam claims changes in payment terms could significantly inflate the agreement’s cost. Starmer argues for the importance of the deal in securing the Diego Garcia military base, while opposition leaders highlight concerns about financial implications.
Sir Keir Starmer faced criticism during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) regarding the financial terms of a deal to transfer control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The controversy arose after Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced that the UK agreed to alter payment terms, which are now set to be front-loaded and based on a variable exchange rate, rather than a fixed one.
The deal, intended to secure the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, is now under scrutiny as the Conservative Party and Reform UK leaders challenged Starmer about its costs amidst cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners. Starmer defended the arrangement, pointing out that it is essential for the future viability of the military base.
The original sovereignty transfer was agreed upon last October under the previous Mauritian leader, Pravind Jugnauth, but political changes have cast uncertainty over the deal. The UK government’s request to delay signing the agreement until after Donald Trump’s re-election has added to the complications surrounding the negotiations.
The Chagos Islands, part of the British Indian Ocean Territory, have been a subject of geopolitical significance due to Diego Garcia’s military base, which supports US military operations. After several international legal challenges over the UK’s sovereignty claim, Mauritius has sought to reclaim the territory. The financial arrangements for the cession, estimated to be close to £9 billion, have recently become contentious with claims that costs could double, which has significant implications for both UK-Mauritian relations and domestic economic policies.
In summary, the ongoing negotiations between the UK and Mauritius concerning the Chagos Islands have become contentious due to changing payment terms and rising costs. Starmer’s commitment to the sovereignty transfer is rooted in maintaining a key military facility, but opposition leaders are capitalizing on concerns over national financial priorities. The situation underscores the complexities of international agreements and domestic political pressures.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
