Summary
The UK government postponed a debate on a bill involving the Chagos Islands, which would transfer sovereignty to Mauritius while leasing a military base on Diego Garcia. The delay occurred after the Conservative Party called for a pause due to geopolitical concerns. The bill is part of a complex negotiation between the UK, Mauritius, and the US.
Key Facts
- The UK government planned to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, leasing Diego Garcia back for £101 million annually.
- The debate on this bill in the House of Lords was postponed due to political opposition from the Conservative Party.
- Conservatives argue the bill might breach a 1966 Treaty with the US regarding UK sovereignty over the territory.
- Diego Garcia is a strategic military base shared by the UK and the US.
- The proposed new deal lets Mauritius gain sovereignty while keeping the military base operational for 99 years.
- The UK had to act on this deal to prevent potential legal actions and prevent other countries, like China, from establishing bases nearby.
- US President Donald Trump initially considered the deal acceptable but later criticized it.
- The bill is in the "ping pong" stage of legislative review, moving between the House of Commons and the House of Lords for amendments.
