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Labour's Chagos Deal Soars £12 Billion, Sparks Controversy

9/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A new analysis indicates Labour's Chagos Islands deal may exceed initial estimates by £12 billion, totaling £34.7 billion.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel accuses the government of using "accountancy tricks" to minimize financial concerns.
Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones defends the £3.4 billion figure as the "true cost," under 0.2% of the defense budget.
The Taxpayers' Alliance urges Prime Minister Starmer to cancel the deal to prevent national embarrassment.
The UK will maintain the military base on Diego Garcia under a 99-year lease, supported by the US for security.

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Story summary

A new analysis indicates Labour's Chagos Islands deal may exceed initial estimates by £12 billion, totaling £34.7 billion.
Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel accuses the government of using "accountancy tricks" to minimize financial concerns.
Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones defends the £3.4 billion figure as the "true cost," under 0.2% of the defense budget.
The Taxpayers' Alliance urges Prime Minister Starmer to cancel the deal to prevent national embarrassment.
The UK will maintain the military base on Diego Garcia under a 99-year lease, supported by the US for security.