A controversial bill, aimed at formalizing the UK government's Chagos deal, has hit a roadblock. The legislation, which proposes handing over the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean to Mauritius, with the UK retaining a key military base through a £101 million annual lease, was scheduled for debate in the House of Lords on Monday. However, the Conservatives, long-standing opponents of the deal, have thrown a spanner in the works. They tabled an amendment on Friday, calling for a pause in the bill's progress, citing "changing geopolitical circumstances" as their reason.
The government, while remaining committed to the deal and the security of the Diego Garcia base, has decided to delay the debate and is considering its options. This move has sparked criticism, with some labeling it as "irresponsible" and a potential interference with national security priorities.
The Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill is currently undergoing the parliamentary scrutiny process, known as "ping-pong," where it moves between the House of Commons and the House of Lords for amendments. The Tories argue that passing this bill would violate a 1966 Treaty with the US, putting the UK in breach of international law. Article 1 of the treaty clearly states that the territory shall remain under UK sovereignty.
The proposed deal with Mauritius involves leasing back Diego Garcia, the largest island and home to a joint UK-US military base. A 24-mile buffer zone has been established around the island, requiring UK consent for any construction. Under the terms agreed by Sir Keir Starmer last May, Mauritius would gain sovereignty over the islands, but the UK and US would retain the use of the military base on Diego Garcia for an initial period of 99 years.
The government has committed to paying Mauritius an average of £101 million annually for 99 years, with Sir Keir estimating the "net cost" to be £3.4 billion, adjusted for factors like inflation. The prime minister has urged the need to act now, citing potential legal action from Mauritius that could disrupt the Diego Garcia base.
Interestingly, this delay in the bill's progress comes at a time when US President Donald Trump seems to have had a change of heart about the agreement. On Tuesday, he described the deal as a "great act of stupidity," despite his administration's previous approval. The UK had even offered Trump an effective veto over the deal due to its implications for US security. While allies of the president had criticized the plan, Trump had previously expressed support during a meeting with Starmer in February 2022. However, after the agreement was signed, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the deal, emphasizing the importance of the joint military facility for regional and global security.
So, what does this mean for the future of the Chagos deal? Will the bill eventually pass, or will the Conservatives' amendment succeed in derailing it? And how will this impact the UK's relationship with the US and Mauritius? These are questions that remain to be answered as the bill's journey through parliament continues.
