For over thirty years, my engagement in international relations hasalways rested upon the core principle that the right of a people to self-determination is absolute. It is on that basis that I have dedicated much of my time in Parliament to giving a voice to the Chagossians who were displaced from their homeland, many of which now reside in Britain. Therefore, I was abhorred by the Government’s decision to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands over to Mauritius. This reckless move is a betrayal of the Chagossian people, who have been denied a voice in determining their own future and undermines the very principle of self-determination – a cornerstone of international law that Britain claims to uphold.
The entire Chagos Archipelago, not least Diego Garcia, is of vital strategic importance. By ceding sovereignty to Mauritius, a nation increasingly aligned with China, the Government has wilfully jeopardised the United Kingdom’s national interest at a time when Chinese influence is expanding across the globe. The assurances that Britain will continue to manage Diego Garcia ring hollow, as the long-term consequences of this decision will weaken our position and embolden powers which are becoming progressively more hostile.
As the Chairman of the Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories All-Party Parliamentary Group and President of the British Indian Ocean Territory All-Party Parliamentary Group, and someone who has had the privilege of visiting Diego Garcia and the outer islands, I cannot stress enough that any decision on the future of these islands must be made in full consultation with the Chagossian people – those who have lived through the pain of displacement and exile. Throughout my experience engaging with Chagossian community groups, whether in this country or abroad, I have not come across a single individual who has argued in favour of Mauritian sovereignty – not least due to the reported appalling treatment of the Chagossian people by the Mauritian Government. Quite the contrary, they have all maintained a willingness to continue and maintain close ties with the Crown as a self-governing British Overseas Territory. They deserve to be heard and their right to self-determination respected. The British Government have not only neglected this responsibility but have also sacrificed a vital strategic asset to appease progressive internationalist rhetoric.
This decision is a shameful abdication of Britain’s duty to His Majesty’s subjects overseas and its own national security. The consequences will be felt far beyond Westminster and the Government’s failure will be painted on the backdrop of Beijing’s celebration.
