James Cleverly, despite being the one who initiated talks, has now condemned the Chagos Islands deal. The former foreign secretary’s criticism comes as Sir Keir Starmer, the current Labour leader, oversaw the handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The news has caused a stir, especially after Cleverly’s recent success at the Tory conference where he gained momentum in the party leadership race.
Cleverly’s rivals, including Tom Tugendhat, have seized on the opportunity to criticise him for starting negotiations during his time as foreign secretary. Tugendhat labelled the talks’ initiation under the Conservative government as “disgraceful,” implying that Cleverly’s actions have now backfired on him. The deal to hand over the islands to Mauritius has thrown a spotlight on Cleverly’s past decisions and threatens to overshadow his recent political accomplishments.
In November 2022, while serving as foreign secretary, Cleverly announced the commencement of negotiations with Mauritius on the sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago. However, his rivals argue that this move has ultimately led to the present outcome, which Cleverly now condemns as weak leadership. Concerns have been raised about Cleverly’s willingness to defer to officials’ advice rather than taking a more decisive stance on key issues.
The Chagos Islands deal involves recognising Mauritius’ sovereignty over the archipelago, while also securing the UK’s rights to operate a military base at Diego Garcia for the next 99 years. The agreement aims to ensure the undisputed and legally secure status of the military base, which plays a strategic role in international security. The Chagossians, who were forcibly removed from the islands in the 1970s to make way for the military base, have long sought the right to return.
The United Nations’ International Court of Justice previously ruled the UK’s administration of the Chagos Islands as “unlawful,” prompting ongoing efforts to address the historical injustices faced by the Chagossian people. The latest agreement between the UK and Mauritius signals a step towards resolving these longstanding issues, while also safeguarding the vital military base at Diego Garcia. The deal, supported by US partners, aims to protect international security and promote peace in the Indian Ocean region.
In response to the deal, various political figures, including Foreign Secretary David Lammy, have emphasised the importance of securing the military base’s future operation. The agreement signals a key milestone in addressing the legacy of colonial injustices and ensuring a more stable and secure environment in the Indian Ocean. As the political ramifications of the Chagos Islands deal continue to unfold, Cleverly’s role in initiating the negotiations has come under renewed scrutiny, complicating his political trajectory within the Conservative Party.