Jonathan Powell leads Chagos Islands talks with Mauritius

Jonathan Powell has been appointed as Sir Keir Starmer's Special Envoy for negotiations regarding the Chagos Islands, a UK-owned territory in the Indian Ocean. His role involves discussions with Mauritius and the US, focusing on sovereignty issues and the future of the strategically significant military base on Diego Garcia. The appointment comes amid heightened tensions, as Mauritius has developed closer ties with China, raising concerns among UK officials about national security. The negotiations, which began in 2022, were previously halted by the Conservative government after 12 rounds of talks. The situation has been complicated by the International Court of Justice's 2019 ruling that deemed the UK's occupation of the islands unlawful, increasing pressure on the UK to consider a handover. Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the importance of these negotiations for the UK's security and the operation of the military base. Criticism has emerged from political opponents, particularly from the Conservative Party, which argues that the islands are a vital strategic asset that should not be surrendered. Tory leadership contender Robert Jenrick expressed concerns that the current government is not prioritizing national interests, warning that yielding control to Mauritius could benefit adversaries, particularly given Mauritius's relations with China. As discussions progress, Powell's experience in sensitive negotiations, including the Northern Ireland peace process, is seen as crucial for navigating the complexities of this situation. The outcome of these talks could have significant implications for UK foreign policy and military strategy in the region.