UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has downplayed criticism surrounding a controversial agreement to cede control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, addressing concerns raised by newly elected Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam and the incoming Trump administration in the United States.
The proposed deal, still awaiting formal treaty finalization, involves the UK relinquishing sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago while retaining a 99-year lease on Diego Garcia, a strategically crucial military base jointly operated by the UK and the US. Lammy has described the agreement as a “good deal” that balances international relations and security interests, but opposition voices remain vocal.
Concerns from Mauritius and the US
Prime Minister Ramgoolam, elected just two weeks ago, expressed skepticism about the agreement during discussions with Jonathan Powell, the UK’s national security adviser. Ramgoolam’s doubts center on Mauritius’ long-term interests in the islands and the implications of the extended lease on Diego Garcia. Meanwhile, US apprehensions about the deal have been amplified by Trump’s incoming Secretary of State pick, Marco Rubio. He has warned that ceding the islands to Mauritius, a nation with close ties to China, could compromise US national security, particularly given China’s growing naval ambitions.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK and a close Trump ally, echoed these concerns, stating the deal could severely strain relations between the UK and the US. Speaking to BBC Newsnight, Farage argued that the agreement would undermine UK-US cooperation on military and trade fronts. “This is a terrible mistake,” he asserted, emphasizing the potential for long-term diplomatic fallout.
Strategic Implications
Lammy, addressing the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, defended the agreement as vital for securing the legal basis of the Diego Garcia military base, a cornerstone of Western defense in the Indian Ocean. “This is a very good deal for our national security,” Lammy emphasized, expressing confidence that the treaty would satisfy both the US and Mauritius despite ongoing political contention.
In a broader context, Matthew Syed, a columnist for The Times, highlighted the rising geopolitical tensions underpinning the deal. Speaking to Newsnight, Syed pointed to escalating proxy wars and the potential for a Chinese blockade of Taiwan, framing the Indian Ocean as a strategically crucial region in global power dynamics. He argued that Europe must align more closely with US defense efforts amid increasing pressure from China and its allies, including Iran, Russia, and North Korea.
Politicking and Future Challenges
Lammy lamented the “politicking” that has surrounded the deal, suggesting that the broader strategic value of the agreement is being overshadowed by partisan debates. “I know and I’m sad that there’s been so much politicking about this,” he told the committee, insisting that the treaty aligns with international law and benefits all parties involved.
Despite Lammy’s reassurances, critics remain skeptical. Farage warned that the deal could jeopardize any potential trade negotiations with the Trump administration, making tariff agreements “that much harder.” Meanwhile, concerns about China’s influence loom large, with US officials and defense experts wary of any move that might embolden Beijing’s ambitions in the Indian Ocean.
The Road Ahead
The treaty is expected to undergo parliamentary scrutiny next year, with the final details of the legal text still being ironed out. As geopolitical tensions continue to mount, the Chagos Islands agreement underscores the delicate balancing act required in managing international relations, security commitments, and domestic political pressures. For Lammy and the UK government, navigating these complex dynamics will be crucial to ensuring the treaty’s success while safeguarding strategic partnerships with key allies like the US.
