Jonathan Powell's Mission
National security adviser Jonathan Powell has flown out for talks with the new Mauritius PM to complete the deal for the Chagos Islands — despite US opposition. Powell, who negotiated the original terms, flew out to try to keep the deal alive despite deep American opposition.
US Concerns and UK's Decision
The incoming Trump administration has expressed concerns over the deal that puts a 99-year lease on a vital US/UK naval base on the island of Diago Garcia amid fears of Chinese influence. Pressure has been mounting on PM Sir Keir Starmer to reconsider handing over the British Overseas Territory to Mauritius.
Reactions and Calls for Intervention
Reform boss Nigel Farage criticized the move, questioning the UK's alliance with the USA. Nile Gardiner, director of the Margaret Thatcher Centre for Freedom, urged US President-elect Donald Trump to intervene, calling the Chagos islands deal a surrender to China by the Starmer Government.
Gardiner emphasized the importance of the US opposing the deal, drawing parallels to historical events like the sinking of the Argentine ship, the General Belgrano, during the Falklands War.
