Lammy plays down criticism of Chagos Islands deal

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has downplayed criticism surrounding a deal to transfer control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, emphasizing the agreement’s benefits for both the UK and its national security. The deal, which still requires finalization, involves the UK ceding sovereignty over the Chagos Islands but retaining a 99-year lease for the strategic Diego Garcia military base, used by both UK and US forces. While some critics have raised concerns, Lammy remains confident in the agreement’s value.

Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, elected recently, has expressed reservations about the deal, particularly after meeting with Jonathan Powell, the UK’s national security adviser. Ramgoolam’s doubts reflect broader concerns about the future of the Chagos Islands and the implications for Mauritius’ sovereignty. The deal remains subject to the completion of a formal treaty.

One of the most vocal critics has been Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK and a close ally of former President Donald Trump. Farage warned that the deal could harm UK-US relations, particularly under the incoming administration. Speaking on BBC Newsnight, Farage argued that the deal would upset President-elect Trump, who he said views the Chagos Islands as strategically important due to their proximity to China. Farage added that the agreement would create tension between the UK and the US, making future trade negotiations, particularly on tariffs, more difficult.

Despite the criticism, Lammy defended the deal during a session of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee. He called it a “good deal” and stressed that it addressed US concerns regarding the continued operation of the Diego Garcia military base, which is vital to US military operations in the Indian Ocean. “I’m very, very confident that this is a deal that the Mauritians will see, in a cross-party sense, as a good deal for them,” Lammy asserted.

The UK’s decision to maintain control over Diego Garcia is a key component of the agreement, and Lammy believes it ensures the security of the UK and its allies. He acknowledged the political rhetoric surrounding the issue but remained optimistic that the agreement would ultimately be supported by all parties involved. Lammy also emphasized that the agreement was in line with international law and would not undermine the UK’s relationships with its allies, including the US.

Marco Rubio, who has been nominated as Trump’s Secretary of State, also criticized the deal, arguing in October that it would pose a significant threat to US national security. Rubio expressed concerns that transferring control of the islands to a country aligned with China would weaken the US’s strategic positioning in the region. Lammy, however, dismissed these concerns as politically motivated, pointing to the long-standing importance of Diego Garcia to both UK and US security interests.

The ongoing diplomatic discussions surrounding the Chagos Islands have sparked broader debates about the UK’s role in global security. Times columnist Matthew Syed, speaking on BBC Newsnight, warned that tensions between major powers, particularly the US and China, could lead to increased military confrontations. Syed suggested that Europe’s reliance on US defense spending makes it crucial for the UK to maintain strong ties with its American allies, especially in a time of global instability.

Lammy’s remarks came amid heightened concerns about China’s expanding military influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, hold strategic importance for US military operations, and any change in control over the territory could have far-reaching consequences for regional security. Critics of the deal, like Farage and Rubio, argue that it could embolden China’s military ambitions, particularly in the South China Sea, where Beijing has been aggressively expanding its presence.

As the treaty is being finalized, the UK government is focused on ensuring that the legal text of the agreement is fully worked out and that it complies with international law. The deal will likely be presented to Parliament for further scrutiny in the coming months. While some critics, including Farage and Ramgoolam, continue to raise concerns, Lammy and other government officials remain committed to the agreement, stressing that it strengthens the UK’s security while fulfilling its international obligations.

The discussions surrounding the Chagos Islands deal highlight the complexities of balancing national security concerns with international diplomacy and the shifting dynamics of global power. As the UK moves forward with this agreement, the political ramifications, particularly in terms of its relationship with the US and China, will continue to evolve.