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Chagossian Leader Urges Rejection of Controversial Lease Deal

1/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Louis Misley Mandarin, interim first minister of the Chagossian government in exile, hopes the House of Lords will reject Starmer's deal.
The deal includes a £120 million annual payment to Mauritius for a 99-year Diego Garcia lease.
Mandarin criticized the lack of consultation and called for a self-determination referendum.
He appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene.
Starmer defended the deal, stressing its strategic importance amid potential threats.

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Story summary

Louis Misley Mandarin, interim first minister of the Chagossian government in exile, hopes the House of Lords will reject Starmer's deal.
The deal includes a £120 million annual payment to Mauritius for a 99-year Diego Garcia lease.
Mandarin criticized the lack of consultation and called for a self-determination referendum.
He appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene.
Starmer defended the deal, stressing its strategic importance amid potential threats.