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Chagos Islands Deal Halted: High Court Blocks Keir Starmer from Signing Controversial Agreement
A High Court injunction dramatically stalled efforts to finalize a contentious agreement concerning the Chagos Islands. The proposed accord, which would potentially cede control of the Indian Ocean archipelago to Mauritius, faced staunch opposition and was labeled a “surrender” by dissenting voices. The legal challenge has put on hold a deal involving Diego Garcia, home to a vital UK/US airbase.
Injunction Halts Signing Ceremony
Sir Keir Starmer was scheduled to participate in a virtual ceremony alongside Mauritian government representatives to formally approve the agreement this morning. The deal was anticipated to grant Mauritius substantial rental income for Diego Garcia, a key island within the territory housing a significant UK/US military installation.
However, early this morning, the High Court issued an injunction, effectively preventing the conclusion of the negotiations.
Legal Challenge from Chagossian Islanders
Mr. Justice Goose granted “interim relief” at 2:25 a.m. to Bertrice Pompe, one of two Chagossian women who previously initiated legal action against the agreement.
Pompe and Bernadette Dugasse, both born on Diego Garcia, are advocating for the islands to remain under British control and for their right to return and reside there. The Chagossian population was forcibly displaced from the central Indian Ocean territory by 1973 to facilitate the establishment of the military base.
Urgent Hearing Underway
A new hearing is underway at the High Court as ministers strive to proceed with the accord. Mr. Justice Chamberlain heard arguments asserting that the agreement is “time-critical” but could still be finalized on Thursday.
Sir James Eadie KC, representing the Foreign Office, informed the High Court that the delays caused by the injunction have already resulted in “damage” to the signing of the deal concerning the Chagos Islands, also known as the British Indian Overseas Territory.
National Security Concerns and Political Repercussions
He stated: “The national security aspect is self-evident. The British Indian Overseas Territory encompasses Diego Garcia, a crucial base from which the United States and the United Kingdom frequently operate jointly. Preserving that facility is of paramount importance to UK national security.”
Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, commented: “Today’s legal intervention is a setback for Keir Starmer and David Lammy.”
Terms of the Disputed Agreement
The proposed agreement stipulates that Britain would relinquish sovereignty over the island territory to Mauritius while leasing back a vital military base on the archipelago for a 99-year period, reportedly costing £90 million annually.
The Government has contended that ceding sovereignty over the islands is necessary due to international legal rulings favoring Mauritius.
Following the prospective signing ceremony, Members of Parliament were scheduled to receive an update on the terms of the deal in the House of Commons, potentially including a 40-year extension to the military base lease.
Court Order Details
The High Court hearing is now expected to take place.
The judge’s order stated: “The defendant shall take no conclusive or legally binding step to conclude its negotiations concerning the possible transfer of the British Indian Ocean Territory, also known as the Chagos Archipelago, to a foreign government or bind itself as to the particular terms of any such transfer.”
Mr Justice Goose’s order continued: “The defendant shall in particular not dispose of the territory in whole or in part.
“The defendant is to maintain the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom over the British Indian Ocean Territory until further order.”
According to the order, the judge granted the injunction “upon consideration of the claimant’s application for interim relief made out of court hours” and “upon reading the defendants’ response.”
Government Response
A Government spokeswoman said: “We do not comment on ongoing legal cases. This deal is the right thing to protect the British people and our national security.”
Diego Garcia’s Strategic Significance
Diego Garcia, the largest of the Chagos Islands, hosts a joint UK-US military base, used to project Western influence in the Indian Ocean.
Critics of the handover proposals express concerns that the move could benefit China, which has an increasing presence in the region.
Recent news reports suggest the deal faced delays, with one newspaper alleging it had become “toxic” due to criticism from Labour’s political adversaries.
The Conservatives are among those who have voiced disapproval of Labour’s handling of the negotiations, despite having initiated discussions regarding the handover with Mauritius during their time in power.
Defense Secretary John Healey emphasized in the House of Commons that the base on Diego Garcia is “essential to our security” and the UK’s security relationship with the US.
“We’ve had to act, as the previous government started to do, to deal with that jeopardy, we’re completing those arrangements and we’ll report to the House when we can,” he added.