- UN experts have called for the suspension of Keir Starmer's deal with Mauritius regarding the Chagos Islands, citing a failure to protect the rights of Chagossians.
- The agreement, which hands sovereignty of the archipelago to Mauritius and leases back the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia for £101m per year for 99 years, has been criticised for not guaranteeing the rights of Chagossians to return to all islands.
- UN special rapporteurs expressed grave concerns about the lack of meaningful participation of Chagossians in the processes leading to the agreement.
- Critics estimate the 99-year lease could cost taxpayers £30bn, potentially impacting the defence budget, while Tories have tabled legislation to block the deal.
- Sir Keir and foreign secretary David Lammy argued the deal was necessary to prevent legal challenges that could jeopardise the operation of the military base.
IN FULL
United Nations experts call for Starmer’s Chagos deal to be suspended
