Andrew Rosindell M.P., Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, exposed the Government’s shocking decision to hand over sovereign British territory - the Chagos Islands - to Mauritius.
Andrew challenged Ministers on their failure to properly consult the Chagossian people and questions the eye-watering cost of this disgraceful deal. Why is Britain giving away £35 billion worth of strategic territory when the Chancellor has a surplus?
Watch Andrew hold the Government to account and fight for British sovereignty!
Last month, the Government buckled under pressure about their lack of consultation with the Chagossian people on the shameful handover of sovereign British territory to Mauritius. If the process is genuinely intended to inform policy, what steps will the Minister take to ensure that the views expressed to the House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee are free from external interference? How will its findings inform the Government’s decision on the future of the Chagos islands?
Andrew Rosindell M.P., Member of Parliament for Romford
As the hon. Gentleman knows, the Committee is engaging a wide range of Chagossians to ascertain their views on the implications of the treaty and will produce a report before Christmas. We have seen no evidence of Mauritian interference, and it is important to recognise the wide range of views in the Chagossian community. I very much look forward to reading the IRDC’s report when it is completed.
Stephen Doughty M.P., Minister of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
I hope the Minister will check that there are actually Chagossians and not outsiders taking part in that consultation. Anyway, let us try something else.
Given last week’s report that the Chancellor had a £4 billion surplus rather than a £20 billion deficit as previously suggested, will the Minister explain why the Government are pressing ahead with this eye-wateringly expensive £35 billion gift of British sovereign territory to Mauritius? Does the Minister not agree that scrapping that atrocious deal would be a better way to help the Chancellor restore fiscal credibility and save British taxpayers’ money?
Andrew Rosindell M.P., Member of Parliament for Romford
No matter how many times the hon. Gentleman repeats his wild claims about the cost of the deal, they are no more correct. I have been clear on multiple occasions about the cost of the deal. We will not scrimp on the national security of this country. The base is crucial for our security and that of our allies, and we have set out the costs very clearly.
Stephen Doughty M.P., Minister of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
