UK Finalizes £101 Million Annual Agreement to Hand Over Chagos Islands to Mauritius

In a landmark agreement announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the United Kingdom will hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius in exchange for a £101 million yearly lease of the strategic military base on Diego Garcia. The deal is designed to secure the base's future and bolster UK national security against rising tensions with nations such as China. Following a legal challenge from two Chagossians, the UK government confirmed it would pay Mauritius an average of £101 million annually over 99 years, totaling £3.4 billion when accounting for inflation. Sir Keir insisted that if the deal had not been reached, legal issues could have put control of the base at risk. The agreement stipulates a 24-mile buffer zone around Diego Garcia, restricting construction without UK consent and maintaining exclusive veto power over foreign access to the islands. Despite receiving support from Maurice's Prime Minister and the US Secretary of State, British opposition politicians have voiced concerns about the security implications this deal poses, particularly regarding alliances with nations linked to China. Meanwhile, the Chagossian community has expressed disappointment at being sidelined in discussions regarding their homeland, while some celebrate the decision as a pivotal moment in securing their rights and heritage.

The deal now awaits approval from both the UK and Mauritian parliaments before taking effect.