A deal that may see the UK hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is ready to be signed immediately.
It’s understood at Sir Keir Starmer will attend a digital ceremony on Thursday morning, regardless of criticism from the Conservatives and Reform UK.
The federal government has argued that worldwide authorized rulings in favour of Mauritius imply this handover is critical.
As a part of the deal, the UK will lease again a navy base on the archipelago for 99 years.
Later, MPs shall be up to date on the phrases of the deal within the Commons, which may embrace extending this lease by an extra 40 years.
Simply this week, Defence Secretary John Healey mentioned the ability on Diego Garcia, the most important of the Chagos Islands, was “essential to our security”.
He advised MPs: “We have needed to act, because the earlier authorities began to do, to cope with that jeopardy.
“We’re completing those arrangements and we’ll report to the House when we can.”
Picture:
Chagossians protested outdoors the Homes of Parliament final 12 months
Critics argue that handing over the islands may find yourself benefitting China, which has rising attain within the Indian Ocean.
Though the Tories have criticised Labour’s dealing with of the negotiations, the discussions started again once they have been in energy.
Progress was additionally delayed when Donald Trump started his second time period – with Secretary of State Marco Rubio as soon as suggesting the deal posed a “serious threat” to America’s safety.
However throughout a gathering with Sir Keir within the Oval Workplace, the US president mentioned he was prepared to “go along” and assist the deal.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
1:00
Chagossians ‘really feel betrayed once more’
He mentioned: “They decided the future of the island without even consulting the population, the Chagossian people, who are the heart of this tragedy.
“We’re unvoiced. I do not know what else to say as a result of we really feel betrayed once more.”
Another, Jemmy, said: “Mauritius will not be my dwelling. The UK will not be my dwelling. Chagos is my dwelling.
“We’ve been fighting against all odds to become somebody – and we still haven’t – but that is because we do not have our feet planted on our homeland.”
