The former prime minister warned that transferring control to Mauritius could be a "colossal mistake," but the Foreign Office maintains its position.
The UK Foreign Office has rejected concerns raised by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson over the potential handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Johnson, in a statement, warned that Britain was on the brink of making a "colossal mistake" by relinquishing control of the islands, which has been a point of contention in British foreign policy for decades.
Johnson’s remarks come in the wake of ongoing discussions about the future sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean that has been under British control since the 19th century. The islands have long been a source of diplomatic tension, particularly with Mauritius, which claims the islands as part of its territory.
In his statement, Johnson argued that giving up the Chagos Islands would undermine the UK's global standing and security interests, particularly in relation to its military presence on the island of Diego Garcia, which hosts a significant US military base. He described the potential transfer of sovereignty to Mauritius as a "strategic blunder" that could jeopardise both British and American military operations in the region.
However, the Foreign Office has firmly rejected these assertions, insisting that the UK government remains committed to resolving the sovereignty issue through ongoing discussions with Mauritius. The government has previously expressed a willingness to negotiate, but has stressed that any handover must take into account the long-term interests of the British overseas territories and the security of the region.
"The UK has a longstanding commitment to the Chagos Islands, and we continue to work with Mauritius towards a mutually beneficial solution," a Foreign Office spokesperson said. "The decision on the future sovereignty of the islands will be based on careful consideration of all relevant factors, including international law and the interests of all parties involved."
Johnson’s comments have sparked further debate within political circles, with some members of Parliament supporting his stance and others backing the government’s approach to resolving the dispute. Human rights groups, meanwhile, have long advocated for the return of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, citing the displacement of Chagossian people, who were forcibly removed from the islands in the 1960s and 1970s to make way for the US military base.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing negotiations and legal challenges shaping the future of the Chagos Islands. As the UK grapples with the complex issue of sovereignty, both domestic and international pressures are likely to continue influencing the outcome.
Hello world!
Pic of the week: Sunset at margate beach
The first day’s journey was through the pink fields
The first day’s journey was through the pink fields
The first day’s journey was through the pink fields