Lammy Supports Chagos Agreement as Preservation of Key Military Alliance Base between UK and US

David Lammy has commended the decision to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius as a measure that preserves an important UK-US military base, following criticisms from opposition MPs about potentially relinquishing a key asset.

The government declared last week its intention to transfer control of the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius, putting an end to prolonged disputes over Britain's final African colony. However, operations on Diego Garcia will continue under UK command.

In his parliamentary statement, Lammy argued that this arrangement was essential for maintaining national security and stressed the need for agreement due to unsustainable status quo implications. Citing US backing of the deal, he emphasized: "It's vital for our nation’s safety," asserting without base assurance there would be no military facility—advocating that this settlement serves mutual interests among involved nations.

Lammy further suggested it was a triumph in diplomacy; having secured and ensured the longevity of the island's strategic importance, he added: "This is victory for negotiation."

He clarified British sovereignty over Gibraltar or Falklands remained uncompromisable. Referring to previous international court rulings against UK’s continued control on Chagos Islands and potential repercussions, Lammy stated that failure in reaching an accord would likely result in a binding decision detrimental for the country—possibly risking loss of base or contravention of global laws.

Despite previous governments having engaged extensively (12 rounds) with Mauritius during negotiations initiated November 2022, Conservative MPs voiced dissatisfaction over this deal in a parliament session last Monday—even though the former foreign secretaries participated too. Andrew Mitchell and Robert Jenrick expressed concerns about perceived asset loss to an ally of China without direct public benefit or influence on national interest.

Lammy countered, stating that Mauritius gaining sovereignty over these islands (including Diego Garcia) doesn't imply comparable situations elsewhere; the circumstances were distinctive and recognized across all British Overseas Territories—emphasizing this deal was tailored to specific conditions.

He also mentioned a right for Chagossians, expelled from their homes in mid-20th century (a dark chapter of colonialism), now living abroad after the UK’s policy led them away — highlighting its unjust nature and urging further consultations with these communities about their ancestral lands.

Regarding over 60 Tamil refugees left stranded on Diego Garcia, Lammy indicated that once agreement is finalized this becomes a subject for Mauritius to decide—suggestive of the complexities involved in resolving such situations post-deal signing. Yasmine Ahmed from Human Rights Watch criticizes lacking involvement with Chagos Islanders' rights and urges government responsibility towards them, emphasizing that they were not included during negotiations despite significant interest concerning their homeland’s future direction after the deal is finalized.