MPs in the UK are calling for answers following concerns that British officials’ phones were hacked during negotiations over the Chagos Islands. The Independent revealed that the British High Commission in Mauritius experienced a significant leak of alleged phone conversations among prominent Mauritian figures. This revelation has raised alarm over a potential security breach, prompting demands for clarity from the government.
During a session in the House of Commons, Liberal Democrat MP James MacCleary raised the issue, highlighting the reported investigation into a major hack of the British Commission’s phones during the Chagos Island talks. Foreign Office Minister Stephen Doughty responded, mentioning an ongoing police investigation in Mauritius but indicating that the reported hacks are likely historic rather than recent.
Sources suggest that the conversations in question took place around autumn 2022, aligning with the period of negotiations concerning the Indian Ocean islands. The sensitive nature of the Chagos issue stems from the existence of a secretive joint UK-US air base on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the Chagos archipelago. The UK’s agreement to retain control of the base for the next century has raised concerns about potential interference from other nations, such as China.
The pressure is set to escalate as Nigel Farage is expected to raise questions about the Chagos Islands during an upcoming session in the House of Commons. Tory MPs are also gearing up to inquire whether Mauritius engaged in negotiations in good faith following The Independent’s revelations.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed that the police in Mauritius are investigating the leaked audio recordings, which featured discussions involving British high commissioner Charlotte Pierre and local political figures. Despite denials by outgoing Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, who labelled the recordings as fabricated conspiracies, several victims of the phone-tapping maintain that the recordings are authentic.
Critics have dismissed the suggestion of using artificial intelligence to manipulate voices, arguing that such advanced technology does not exist in creole, a local language. As the investigation continues and pressure mounts on the government to address the security concerns, the incident underscores the complexities surrounding the Chagos Islands and the delicate negotiations involving them.