In October, the federal government reached an settlement with Mauritius to give up sovereignty of the Chagos Islands.
The settlement contains the tropical atoll of Diego Garcia utilized by the US and the UK as a navy base, though the UK will proceed to make use of it for “an preliminary interval of 99 years”.
What are the Chagos Islands?
The Chagos Islands are a bunch of seven atolls within the Indian Ocean, consisting of over 60 islands.
Mauritius has lengthy argued that it was illegally compelled to surrender the islands in trade for its independence in 1968 and had already agreed to lease Diego Garcia to the US to be used as a navy base.
In recent times, the UK has confronted diplomatic strain to surrender its declare to the islands and these negotiations started earlier than Sir Keir Starmer turned prime minister.
Why was Britain going through strain?
The Chagossians had been compelled to go away the central Indian Ocean territory by 1973 to make method for the navy base.
The expulsions are thought-about probably the most shameful components of Britain's fashionable colonial historical past, and the Chagossians have spent a long time preventing to return to the islands.
The United Nations' highest courtroom, the Worldwide Courtroom of Justice, beforehand dominated that the UK's administration of the territory was “unlawful” and should finish.
Negotiations for his or her handover started in November 2022, beneath the Conservative authorities, with James Cleverly as overseas secretary.
After it was accomplished, a joint assertion by the prime ministers of the UK and Mauritius stated the deal would “handle the errors of the previous”.
The International Secretary, David Lammy, stated it could nonetheless present the “very important” navy base and make sure the UK might nonetheless play a task “sustaining world safety” within the Indo-Pacific.
What has been the response?
Many Tories reacted with fury, despite the fact that the negotiations started beneath their very own celebration's watch, and even Reform's Nigel Farage was not completely happy.
Critics warned the transfer would empower China.
It was welcomed by US President Joe Biden, who hailed the “historic settlement” as a “clear demonstration that by diplomacy and partnership, nations can overcome long-standing historic challenges to realize peaceable and mutually helpful outcomes”.
However there have been some reviews that Donald Trump, who will grow to be president within the new yr, will not be so eager.