Tories accuse PM of funding tax cuts for Mauritians
Summary
The UK has agreed to a £3.4 billion deal to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while keeping control of a military base on Diego Garcia. The deal, which involves financial payments to Mauritius and has been criticized by the Conservative leader, aims to ensure long-term access to the base for security reasons. Some Chagossians have opposed the deal due to concerns about their rights and lack of involvement in the decision-making process.Key Facts
- The UK will hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
- The UK will keep control of the military base on Diego Garcia for 99 years.
- The UK will pay Mauritius £165 million annually for the first three years, then £120 million per year from years four to 13, with payments adjusted for inflation thereafter.
- Mauritius plans to use the money from the deal to pay off public sector debt.
- 80% of workers in Mauritius will be exempt from income tax as part of a new Budget plan.
- A panel of experts from the UN Human Rights Council criticized the deal for not fully considering the rights of Chagossians.
- Sir Keir Starmer defended the deal for maintaining security and intelligence capabilities.
- Some Chagossians were not fully involved in the deal process, leading to community division.
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