Story perspectives

Labour Pushes Chagos Transfer to Mauritius, £35bn Deal Sparks Outcry

6/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Labour determined to transfer Chagos Islands to Mauritius despite U.S. President Donald Trump halting handover.
Attorney General Lord Hermer said a treaty could be signed in weeks and months.
Sir Keir Starmer’s original plan would hand over the islands and pay about £35 billion over 99 years.
Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel and Reform UK Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick call the deal a waste that threatens security, burdens pensioners, farmers and businesses.

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Story summary

Labour determined to transfer Chagos Islands to Mauritius despite U.S. President Donald Trump halting handover.
Attorney General Lord Hermer said a treaty could be signed in weeks and months.
Sir Keir Starmer’s original plan would hand over the islands and pay about £35 billion over 99 years.
Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel and Reform UK Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick call the deal a waste that threatens security, burdens pensioners, farmers and businesses.