Full Breakdown
Labour Government Pushes Forward with Chagos Islands Hand-over to Mauritius
6/24/2026, 12:38:07 PM
Core Deal Overview
The United Kingdom government, led by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, intends to transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. In exchange, the UK would pay approximately £35 billion over a 99-year period to retain a lease on the United States-operated military base at Diego Garcia. The arrangement is presented as a means to safeguard the base’s long-term security.
Background and Negotiation History
Negotiations on the hand-over began under the previous Conservative administration and were described as “very developed.” In April 2024, U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew American support, branding the proposed agreement an “act of total weakness.” Despite that shift, Labour has reaffirmed its commitment, citing national-security analyses that stress the base’s strategic importance.
Financial Terms and Strategic Stakes
The proposed financial package involves a £35 billion payment spread across 99 years, effectively leasing the Diego Garcia installation back to the United States. Proponents argue the payment secures continued access to the only deep-water port in the Indian Ocean capable of supporting large-scale naval operations, while critics question the fiscal burden on British taxpayers.
Official Government Position
Attorney General Lord Hermer told the Commons’ Justice Select Committee that “The Chagos treaty and agreement is overwhelmingly in our national interest.” He emphasized that the negotiations were continued because of “our national security analysis as to the importance of the base of Diego Garcia.” A spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office added that the government remains “committed to the agreement with Mauritius as the best way to safeguard the long-term future of the base” and will bring the related Bill to Parliament “as soon as is practicable.”
Opposition and Criticism
Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel argued the deal should be “consigned to the ash heap of history,” warning that “Hard-pressed British taxpayers have no desire to hand over £35 billion of their cash for this nonsense, especially when it threatens our national security.” Reform UK Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick criticised Labour’s priorities, stating the party is “handing billions to a foreign country while British pensioners, farmers and businesses have paid the price.” Former Foreign Office Minister Stephen Doughty also described the withdrawal of U.S. support as rendering the agreement “impossible to agree.”
Conflicting Assessments
The government’s view that the treaty serves national interest contrasts with statements from senior Conservative figures who deem the deal financially reckless and strategically hazardous. The divergent positions highlight a split between the Attorney General’s optimism about a “determined” path forward and the Foreign Office’s assessment that the loss of U.S. backing undermines feasibility.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Chagos treaty and agreement is overwhelmingly in our national interest.” — Lord Hermer, Attorney General
- “The US President pulled American support for the agreement in April, branding it an 'act of total weakness' | Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel said: "Keir Starmer and Richard Hermer’s Chagos surrender deal should be consigned to the ash heap of history.” — Dame Priti Patel, Foreign Secretary
- “ Under Sir Keir's original arrangement, Britain would have handed over the territory and paid approximately £35billion over a 99-year period | Meanwhile, Reform UK's Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick said: “Labour’s determination to push through this surrender deal shows exactly where the party’s priorities lie – handing billions to a foreign country while British pensioners, farmers and businesses have paid the price.” — Robert Jenrick, Reform UK Treasury spokesman
- “The Attorney General was reflecting on the Government's longstanding position, which is that the Government remains committed to the agreement with Mauritius as the best way to safeguard the long-term future of the base, and continues to work closely with the US and Mauritius on next steps.” — Spokesperson, Attorney General’s Office
- “act of total weakness” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
What’s Next
Lord Hermer indicated that a signed agreement could be achieved “in the coming weeks and months.” The government plans to re-introduce the Chagos Islands Bill to Parliament for ratification. The outcome may be influenced by the timing of Sir Keir Starmer’s departure from Downing Street and the policy stance of his eventual successor.
