Former deputy leader of Reform UK Ben Habib has delivered a scathing critique of the UK's deal regarding the Chagos Islands, describing it as a "complete surrender" of British territory.
Habib expressed serious concerns about the security implications of the agreement, which transfers sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius while allowing Britain to maintain control of the Diego Garcia military base through a 99-year lease.
In a detailed analysis of the agreement, Habib highlighted what he considers a dangerous security concession: "Within that document, it will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, have also declared that if we declare an attack from Diego Garcia, we will forewarn the Mauritians of our intention to do so."
He questioned the strategic wisdom of this arrangement, adding: "Can you imagine what it does for a country's security if you forewarn a potential enemy that you're going to take action?"
Ben Habib cannot understand why the islands were given away
GB NEWS
Habib further argued that the deal poses geopolitical risks due to Mauritius' international alignments.
"What we've done is give away territory to a third party, another country that is more aligned to China than any other supranational power," he stated.
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The treaty says the UK will have to inform Mauritius of planned military attacks from the Chagos IslandsGETTYThis concern echoes wider fears about China's growing influence in the Indian Ocean region, with critics suggesting the agreement could potentially alter the strategic landscape to the UK's disadvantage.
The deal, signed on Friday after some last-minute legal delays, will see the UK pay £101 million annually to Mauritius.
The agreement follows years of international pressure, including a 2019 International Court of Justice ruling that declared Britain's occupation of the islands unlawful.
Despite criticism, the Labour government maintains the treaty is necessary to secure the long-term future of the strategically vital Diego Garcia base, which plays a key role in regional and global security operations.
Ben Habib lashed out at the Chagos 'surrender'
GB NEWS
The agreement has sparked fierce opposition from Conservative and Reform UK politicians, who frame it as an erosion of British sovereignty.
Former Defence Secretary Sir Grant Shapps condemned the clause as a "grotesque surrender of both sovereignty and responsibility," while former Prime Minister Boris Johnson characterised the decision as "crazy" and an overreaction to contemporary diplomatic pressures.
Given Labour's overwhelming majority, the treaty is expected to be ratified despite this opposition.
Habib concluded his withering assessment by stating there was "nothing in this for the British taxpayer or our security," dismissing the arrangement as "a terrible deal."
While acknowledging that "President Trump couldn't care less about the deal" because "their military base is assured whether the United Kingdom owns it or Mauritius does," Habib insisted he had found "not a single clause to the benefit of the United Kingdom" in the document.
