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UK's £35bn Chagos Deal Sparks Defence Spending Controversy

8/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The UK Ministry of Defence has not clarified if the £35bn Chagos Islands deal contributes to its NATO 5% GDP spending target by 2035.
Critics, including the Labour shadow defence secretary, contend this could misrepresent true defence expenditure.
The deal is linked to a settlement with Mauritius, which asserts sovereignty over the Chagos Islands.

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Story summary

The UK Ministry of Defence has not clarified if the £35bn Chagos Islands deal contributes to its NATO 5% GDP spending target by 2035.
Critics, including the Labour shadow defence secretary, contend this could misrepresent true defence expenditure.
The deal is linked to a settlement with Mauritius, which asserts sovereignty over the Chagos Islands.