Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey has criticised the Conservatives after the Chagos handover was blocked by last-minute legal action.
Speaking on GB News, Davey opted to target his ire at the previous administration despite the deal being overseen by Labour.
The agreement would see the UK hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, but with a 99-year lease for a military base located on the Pacific Island archipelago.
Speaking on GB News, Davey hit out at Tories including Robert Jenrick for their vehement opposition to the deal.
Ed Davey hit out at the Tories after a last-minute twist in the Chagos Islands deal
GB NEWS / PARLIAMENT / GETTY
“I haven’t seen any of the details but clearly the Chagos negotiations have been going on for years now”, he said.
“There were several rounds under the Conservatives who I think if they had been returned [to Government] a deal would have been concluded, despite what they say now.
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Robert Jenrick hit out at the deal on GB News
GB NEWS
“Maybe it gives a greater chance of scrutiny, I am all in favour of that.
“This Government absolutely needs to be held to account for everything it does.”
The deal has been widely criticised by the Conservatives, who have denied claims they would have done the same as Labour had they remained in situ.
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick hit out at the Government on GB News after the injunction was announced.
The Chagos Islands deal was approved by Donald TrumpGettyJenrick said on GB News: “Let’s hope this is ultimately successful because this is an absolutely disgraceful sellout.
“Keir Starmer is looking to give away sovereign British territory to an ally of China and pay billions of pounds for the privilege.
“Let’s hope this succeeds. All power to the elbow of the Great British PAC and the individuals who brought forward this legal challenge.”
Justice Goose issued the order, granting "interim relief" to Bertrice Pompe, a Chagossian who has brought a case against the Foreign Office.
The overnight legal action comes after GB News revealed that the deal was due to be signed virtually today.
The dramatic development puts on hold the government's negotiations regarding the future of the Chagos Islands, a matter that has been the subject of long-standing diplomatic discussions.
The legal action represents a significant obstacle to the government's plans regarding the disputed territory.
Details about the case brought by Ms Pompe against the Foreign Office have not yet been made public, but the granting of interim relief suggests the court found sufficient merit in her application to temporarily halt proceedings.
The injunction was granted in the early hours of the morning, indicating the urgent nature of the legal challenge.
This development comes amid ongoing discussions about the future status of the Chagos Islands, which have been a contentious diplomatic issue for many years.
