Priti Patel Demands Review of Chagos Islands Deal After Trump's Election
- Conservative MPs have called for a review of the decision to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after Donald Trump's election.
- Concerns have been raised about potential vulnerabilities to Chinese surveillance if the archipelago is transferred.
- The government is urged to prioritize defense and work with the new US administration moving forward.
Following Donald Trump's election victory, Conservative MPs have urged the UK government to reconsider its plans to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The timeline for the transition had previously included a 99-year lease arrangement allowing the United States to maintain its airbase on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago. However, Trump's allies expressed their skepticism regarding the deal, raising concerns over potential vulnerabilities concerning Chinese surveillance. Priti Patel, serving as the shadow foreign secretary, emphasized that a reassessment of the deal is crucial to prioritize national defense in collaboration with the incoming US administration. The Conservative Party argues that with Trump in office, the government should advocate for retaining control over the territory to ensure security interests are safeguarded.