Lammy defends Chagos deal, saying it saves important UK-US military base

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, recently addressed the government’s decision to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, asserting that this step is vital for the sustainability of a key UK-US military base. His remarks come amid pushback from Conservative MPs, who accuse Labour of giving up an important asset. Lammy, however, framed the agreement as a diplomatic achievement that bolsters national security.

Speaking to Parliament, Lammy noted that maintaining the status quo was “clearly not sustainable,” underscoring the crucial role of US support in this agreement. He stated, “It’s critical for our national security. Without security of tenure, there will be no base. The deal benefits us, the UK, the US, and Mauritius,” portraying it as a long-term commitment to preserving the Diego Garcia base.

In an effort to quell concerns, Lammy clarified that this agreement does not set a precedent for discussions about Gibraltar or the Falklands. “British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, and the sovereign base areas is not up for negotiation,” he asserted, emphasizing that the specific circumstances of the Chagos Islands have been acknowledged across the UK’s overseas territories.

Five years ago, the International Court of Justice criticized the UK’s control over the Chagos Islands. Lammy warned that failing to secure this agreement could have resulted in a binding judgment against the UK, putting the military base at risk and potentially violating international law.

Despite facing interruptions from Conservative MPs, who reminded him that the previous government had engaged in extensive negotiations, Lammy remained resolute. The discussions, which began in November 2022, included significant contributions from former Foreign Secretaries James Cleverly and David Cameron.

Critics of the deal, such as Shadow Foreign Secretary Andrew Mitchell, argued that the government is “giving away a key military asset,” potentially encouraging adversaries. Former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick also criticized the agreement, questioning Lammy’s focus and suggesting that the decision serves international elites at the expense of British interests.

Responding to worries that the agreement might result in the loss of British territory, Lammy reassured that military operations on Diego Garcia will remain under UK control for an initial period of 99 years, with options for extension.

The agreement also includes provisions for the right of return for Chagossians, who were forcibly removed from their homes in the 1960s and 70s—a situation Lammy described as “deeply wrong.” When asked about the status of Tamil refugees stranded on the island, he indicated that this issue would fall under Mauritian jurisdiction after the treaty is signed.

Yasmine Ahmed, UK Director of Human Rights Watch, expressed concern over the lack of adequate consultation with Chagossians during the negotiation process, highlighting the government’s responsibility to involve them.