Dame Priti Patel MP, Shadow Foreign Secretary, and James Cartlidge MP, Shadow Defence Secretary, have written to Prime Minister Keir Starmer to express their "grave concerns" about the government's plan to surrender the Chagos Islands.
Their letter outlines several critical issues, including national security, proposed safeguards, and concerns raised by key international allies. "The Government’s inability to answer basic questions about the agreement it is negotiating, combined with the change in administration in the US and the new Mauritian Government’s rejection of the deal, has made the approach you are pursuing unsustainable," the letter states.
The MPs specifically raise concerns over the security of the UK's strategic military base on Diego Garcia, questioning how it will be protected. Despite repeated inquiries, government ministers have been unable to confirm whether the UK would have the unilateral right to extend the lease on the base.
The letter calls on the Prime Minister to address these unanswered questions. "Parliament demands answers on these serious matters. The British public cannot reasonably support this deal if the government cannot provide clear and vital responses," it reads.
The MPs also criticise the government's failure to properly consult with the Chagossian people, who feel "ignored" and "deeply offended" by the deal. Shadow Foreign Secretary Patel, having met with Chagossian spokespeople, noted their clear disappointment and opposition to the proposed agreement.
