Keir Starmer Seeks Swift Chagos Islands Deal Amid Political Tensions and Global Pressure

[Social Media]

 

Keir Starmer is facing mounting scrutiny over efforts to finalize a treaty ceding sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, with accusations that he aims to push the agreement through before the potential return of Donald Trump as U.S. president. The agreement has become a political flashpoint, drawing criticism from Mauritius’s newly elected leadership and allies of Mr. Trump, particularly over its implications for strategic military interests.

 

The deal, crafted by the previous Mauritian administration, has been met with skepticism by Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Mauritius’s new prime minister. During his campaign, Ramgoolam and his supporters labeled the agreement a “sell-out” and even accused the former administration of “high treason,” claiming it was a rushed decision influenced by political desperation. Since his election just two weeks ago, Ramgoolam has publicly voiced “reservations” about the treaty’s terms, further casting doubt on its viability.

 

The treaty also faces resistance in Washington. Marco Rubio, a prominent ally of Mr. Trump and a candidate for the role of U.S. Secretary of State in a future Trump administration, has called the deal a “serious threat” to American national security. He warned it could undermine the strategic importance of the joint U.S.-UK military base on Diego Garcia, the largest of the Chagos Islands. Rubio’s comments have amplified concerns about the treaty’s impact on military posture in the Indian Ocean, a region critical to Western interests amid increasing Chinese influence.

 

Labour announced in October that it would relinquish sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, ending more than two centuries of British control. However, with Pravind Jugnauth, the Mauritian leader who negotiated the deal, now ousted from office, the agreement remains unsigned and in political limbo. Labour has argued that the treaty was necessary to secure the continued operation of Diego Garcia after the International Court of Justice deemed the UK’s administration of the islands “unlawful.”

 

Opponents of the deal are optimistic that a Trump presidency could derail its ratification. Nevertheless, Starmer’s government has taken proactive steps to salvage the agreement. Jonathan Powell, Starmer’s incoming national security adviser, has been dispatched to Mauritius and Washington to address concerns and stabilize the negotiations. Despite reports suggesting a mid-January deadline, Downing Street has denied imposing a strict timeline. A spokesperson emphasized, “We haven’t set a timeline to ratify the deal, and we don’t intend to put a timeline on it. Obviously, it’s in everyone’s interests to progress the deal as quickly as possible.”

 

Foreign Secretary David Lammy defended the agreement, dismissing criticism from opposition voices as political maneuvering. “This is incredibly sad,” Lammy said. “I know and I’m sad that there’s been so much politicking about this.” He argued that the treaty represented a “very good deal” and downplayed suggestions that it was on the brink of collapse.

 

However, Conservative MP Sir John Whittingdale reiterated Ramgoolam’s scathing campaign rhetoric, which described the agreement as treasonous and a betrayal of Mauritius’s sovereignty. Lammy responded by highlighting the realities of electioneering: “Both you and I have said things during an election in order to get elected. He did not say that yesterday.”

 

As the Chagos Islands dispute continues, it remains a contentious issue not only between the UK and Mauritius but also among international stakeholders concerned with the geopolitical stability of the Indian Ocean region.

 

Based on a report by Daily Mail 2024-11-30

 

 

 

[deadbeat]

Trump will nix this on day 1.

[Dave0206]

Britania rules the waves long gone history. The Falklands conflict in the 80s saved Thatcher nothing like a little war to unite the nation and get behind the iron lady.

For an island near to Argentina that even if you're father died protecting it does not give you automatic right to live there.

Before Mrs Thatcher died discussion was if she would receive a state funeral north of the border only discussion was do we have to wait till she is dead?

Her popularity did not cross borders