Chagos Islands

[davebro3]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c98ynejg4l5o

What next in this long-running saga?

Hm, let me guess - claims for the UK to pay compensation?

Watch this space...

[douglas9401]

Ruling the waves is sooo last year.

[sandyRoe]

Weren't many of the inhabitants thrown off the island in order to accommodate the Americans?

I'd think they were entitled to compensation.

[youngmafbog]

I dont think so db3, the Mauritians have got what they wanted and no n doubt will be paid handsomly for the 'rent' of land for the Military base.

[youngmafbog]

And do you know they were not given it Sandy?

[sandyRoe]

I think the deal was done during Harold Wilson's time.  A long time ago.  I can't remember the details.

[youngmafbog]

Ah, so Labour are at fault then. 😁

[DTCwordfan]

well what's next.....

Take your pick of Gibraltar, Bermuda, and even the Falklands. Goodbye!

Maybe the French ought to start lobbying for the return of the Channel Islands to Normandy?

 

 

[Togo]

//Starmer’s close friend Philippe Sands KC is Mauritus’ chief legal adviser and a longtime agitator for Mauritian control of the islands. He submitted in evidence to Parliament in January of this year:

“At the outset, I wish to make clear that as a member of the Bar of England and Wales I have acted as counsel to Mauritius since 2010 in relation to the Chagos Archipelago. As such, I have been involved in the proceedings before the Annex VII arbitral tribunal (2010-2015), the International Court of Justice (ICJ, 2017-2019) and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS, 2019-2023). I continue to advise the Government of Mauritius.”//

Guido.

More left wing betrayal of the UK.

[Togo]

//After months of receiving gifts, Keir Starmer has finally turned provider, deciding to give away Britain’s Chagos Islands to Mauritius. 
The islands sit at a key strategic position in the middle of the Indian Ocean, a site of increasing competition between Western nations, India, and China. They also play host to a joint UK-US base, allowing the two countries to maintain a military presence along one of the world’s most important trade corridors. 
For decades, British Governments have resisted finger-wagging calls from the international community to surrender control of the islands, which are claimed by the tiny nation of Mauritius. The islands are around 2,000km away from Mauritius itself, and have been controlled by the UK since 1814. More importantly though, they play a vital role in protecting our interests in Asia – so why would a British government ever consider giving them up?//

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/10/03/starmer-is-betraying-britain-on-the-chagos-islands/

[Togo]

Perhaps Starmer has been "given" a nice holiday home on Mauritius and free fligths. 

[perseverer]

Anyone read the link in the OP.

Two extracts:

The negotiations that brought about Thursday's deal began under the previous UK government.

A backlash from some voices in the UK can be expected, even though successive Conservative and Labour prime ministers have been working towards the same broad goal.

But you know who gets 'blamed' on here.

 

[douglas9401]

"More left wing betrayal of the UK."

Aye, pillaging conquerors will be spinning in their mausoleums.

It did cross my mind that it may be under water sooner than later what with the climate emergency and other laughs. Maybe a timely disposal.

[Togo]

A third extract!

"For decades, British Governments have resisted finger-wagging calls from the international community to surrender control of the islands, which are claimed by the tiny nation of Mauritius. The islands are around 2,000km away from Mauritius itself, and have been controlled by the UK since 1814."

[THECORBYLOON]

TOGO, "The islands are around 2,000km away from Mauritius itself, and have been controlled by the UK since 1814. "

How far away are the Chagos Islands from the UK?

[Hymie]

Tories up in arms about the Labour government, doing what the Tories wanted.

 

 

[THECORBYLOON]

Cleverly said last November, 

"The UK and Mauritius have reiterated that any agreement between our two countries will ensure the continued effective operation of the joint UK/US military base on Diego Garcia, which plays a vital role in regional and global security. We recognise the US’s and India’s interests and will keep them informed of progress.

The UK and Mauritius have agreed to engage in constructive negotiations, with a view to arriving at an agreement by early next year."

[Khandro]

Nigel Farage has claimed that “our American allies will be furious and Beijing delighted” after Sir Keir Starmer gave up the Chagos Islands.

The Reform UK leader said the decision to hand over the archipelago to Mauritius was a “strategic disaster” and that “Labour are making the world a more dangerous place”.

His remarks came after the decision to end 200 years of British rule in the Indian Ocean Territory was announced at 11.04am with the ping of an email alert.

In a humdrum press release titled “UK-Mauritius deal to protect national security”, the Foreign Office revealed that the UK was giving away the strategic archipelago.

With Parliament still in its post-conference slumber, the timing meant that David Lammy avoided having to unveil the move in the Commons cauldron.

The announcement was seemingly rushed out with just days of recess to get ahead of the Mauritian election campaign, which starts on Friday.

(Today's Telegraph.)

Yet another Labour disaster. !!!