Keir Starmer Surrenders Strategic Island in £3.4 Billion Deal – Critics Slam ‘Aircraft Carrier Without Planes’ Treaty

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has officially disclosed the financial terms of the UK’s treaty with Mauritius over the Chagos Islands, confirming that the deal will cost British taxpayers an estimated £3.4 billion over 99 years. The long-anticipated treaty, signed this afternoon, transfers sovereignty of the territory to Mauritius, drawing a mixed response from both political allies and critics.

The announcement comes after months of speculation and a last-minute legal delay. Speaking publicly, Starmer defended the agreement by comparing its cost to the operation of a major military asset, told The Guardian.

“The cost of this is an average per year cost of £101 million,” he explained. “The net overall cost is therefore £3.4 billion overall, that’s over the 99 years. That is, as I mentioned a moment ago, the average £100 million per year, is about the same or slightly less than the running cost of an aircraft carrier minus the aircraft.”

He went on to stress the strategic value of the Chagos facility, saying, “Now, given the significance of this facility, both the geography and the capability, you can see, as measured against an aircraft carrier’s running cost, that this is very good value for money.”

Starmer also drew parallels with similar arrangements made by other major powers. “I should also say that it’s very similar to arrangements made by other allies, the US and France, in relation to the bases they lease and make arrangements for as well.”

The Prime Minister justified the transfer by citing international legal obligations, warning that non-compliance could have resulted in interim measures against the UK. “The UK would have faced interim measures in legal proceedings had the government not complied,” he noted.

This legal justification, however, is being heavily contested by opposition voices and commentators who argue that the government’s handover of a strategically vital location sets a troubling precedent.

Following the treaty’s signing, Defence Secretary John Healey released a statement underscoring the base’s continued importance: “As the world becomes more dangerous, our military base on Diego Garcia becomes more important. Today’s Treaty secures full operational control, strengthens our UK-US defence partnership and keeps British people safe at home for the next 99 years and beyond.”

“Without this base, our ability to deter terrorists, defend our interests and protect our troops around the world would be at risk. This agreement will safeguard our national and economic security for generations to come.”

The Ministry of Defence added that the deal had been in motion for years, stating, “The previous government started these negotiations over two years ago… all Five Eyes partners – the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand – back the agreement, along with India.”

• Lorraine Kelly Just Dragged Love Island’s New Cast and She’s Not Wrong
• Heartbreaking Tragedy as Baby Girl Dies After Being Left Alone with Five-Year-Old Aunt
• Labour Sparks Outrage After Minister Claims Small Boat Migrants Mostly Women and Kids
• Princess Eugenie makes a royal appearance as she leaves a quiet but powerful impact
• Government Plan to Remove Asylum Seekers from Costly Hotels Could Shake Up the System

Pool Photo by Claudia Greco via Getty Images