UK Plans £18bn Handover of Chagos Islands to Mauritius

The UK government is in the spotlight over its plan to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, alongside a potential financial package that has sparked controversy, with estimates reaching up to £18 billion. Foreign Office Minister Stephen Doughty defended the decision on Sky News, emphasizing the importance of the Diego Garcia military base for national security and stating that details of the deal would be disclosed to Parliament in due course. However, opposition leaders, including Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch, criticized the move as an 'immoral surrender' of British territory while citizens face cuts to winter fuel payments. Prime Minister Keir Starmer asserted that the agreement is crucial for legal certainty surrounding the military base's status. Amidst rising concerns within Labour, critics argue the financial implications of the deal could undermine public support. The government has denied that any costs associated with the handover would rise to £18 billion, insisting that previous figures cited were incorrect.