Prime Minister faces fiery question over UK defence and the controversial deal
Conservative MP Lewis Cocking challenged the PM over the Chagos deal (Image: BBC)
Sir Keir Starmer was urged to stop the “nonsense” Chagos Islands deal during a fiery PMQs moment. Tory MP Lewis Cocking highlighted reports that military chiefs have warned the Prime Minister of a £28billion defence funding black hole.
The Conservative told the Commons: “The world is becoming more dangerous every day and the Ministry of Defence has said it needs an extra £28billion to keep us safe. Well, I know where the Prime Minister can find it. Stop this nonsense Chagos Islands surrender policy and spend that money on protecting the UK.
“Will the Prime Minister commit to that or will he continue to put the interests of foreign governments and countries above our own?”
Sir Keir replied: “Diego Garcia is a vital military base with important capabilities for our allies. It’s integral for our security.
“Our decision was welcomed by our allies, the Five Eyes, India and the United States.
“It was opposed by our enemies, including Russia, and now we can add the Tories to that list and Reform to that list. The Tories following Reform, Reform following Putin.”
It comes as the deal, which will see the UK hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, has faced intense criticism.
The Government signed a treaty in May last year, which will mean Britain leases back the strategically important military base on Diego Garcia – the largest island within the remote Indian Ocean archipelago.
The agreement followed long-running negotiations started under the previous Tory administration after a 2019 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice said the UK should cede control.
As well as establishing a £40million fund for Chagossians expelled from the islands, the UK has agreed to pay Mauritius at least £120million annually during the 99-year agreement – a total cost in cash terms of at least £13billion.
The Government, however, estimates the bill will be lower, at about £101million a year, while opponents argue it will be much higher.
