Sir Keir Starmer faced criticism during PMQs regarding a deal with Mauritius for the Chagos Islands, particularly around payment terms. Mauritian PM Navin Ramgoolam claimed changes to the agreement included front-loading payments. Opposition leaders targeted Starmer over costs, especially in light of reduced winter fuel payments for pensioners. Starmer defended the necessity of the deal to secure the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, asserting that legal certainty is vital for national security. The agreement has faced delays and uncertainty, particularly following the change in Mauritian leadership and geopolitical concerns.
The UK has agreed to front-load payments in its deal to hand Mauritius control of the Chagos Islands, raising questions during PMQs about national priorities.
Sir Keir Starmer insisted that the payment changes were necessary to secure the future of the UK-US military airbase on Diego Garcia.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch highlighted that the government offered 18bn for Mauritius to take control of the Chagos Islands, amidst rising concerns of costs.
The PM emphasized that you cannot operate the Diego Garcia base without legal certainty, warning that a lack of certainty would be detrimental to national security.
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