Starmer Slammed After Tories Say He Got It Completely Wrong on China and Chagos Islands

There’s been a fierce political row brewing over comments made by Sir Keir Starmer about the UK’s recent deal with Mauritius over the Chagos Islands, and now the Conservatives are demanding he issue a full apology.

The trouble started when the Labour leader announced the terms of the agreement with Mauritius, which includes the UK continuing to operate the strategically important Diego Garcia base for at least another 99 years. In return, Britain will shell out a minimum of £120 million a year, with an additional £1.125 billion pledged for economic development over 25 years. It’s a pricey arrangement, and estimates suggest the real cost could soar past £30 billion when all is said and done, reported the Express.

When Sir Keir explained the deal publicly on 22 May, he didn’t hold back. He pointed out that a long list of allies supported the agreement, saying, “In favour are all of our allies: the US, NATO, Five Eyes, India. Against it: Russia, China, Iran and, surprisingly, the leader of the opposition and Nigel Farage are in that column alongside Russia, China and Iran, rather than the column that has the UK and its allies in it.”

That line didn’t sit well with the Tories — especially now that China has apparently praised the agreement. They say Starmer was completely off the mark.

It’s come to light that Mauritius has publicly thanked China for backing its push to reclaim the Chagos Islands, saying Beijing’s “unwavering support played a critical role.” Chinese diplomats were also quoted in local press calling the deal an “historical achievement.”

And this isn’t coming out of nowhere. Back in 2018, China submitted a statement to the International Court of Justice backing Mauritius’ claim to the Chagos Archipelago, saying it “fully understood and supported” the call for decolonisation.

US academic Nong Hong added to that, writing in the South China Morning Post that China has “reiterated its firm support for the decolonisation process” and understands Mauritius’ position clearly.

So now, the Conservatives are saying Starmer’s accusations are not just unfair but factually wrong. Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge has written directly to Number 10, calling for a formal apology over the Labour leader’s remarks.

In his letter, Cartlidge wrote, “I am writing to request a formal apology following your recent statement that somehow those of us opposed to your Chagos deal are on the side of Russia, China and Iran – a deeply offensive and ill-judged claim.”

He went on to say that, especially given the cross-party support Labour has received from the Conservatives on major foreign policy matters like Ukraine and action against the Iranian-backed Houthis, it was “totally unacceptable” to suggest that the Opposition was somehow aligned with countries like Russia and China.

“Your suggestion that HM Opposition is somehow siding with China has now been proven to be factually inaccurate as they support your deal,” Cartlidge added. “I look forward to your apology.”

With China clearly backing the Mauritius side of the agreement, Starmer’s remarks have come under even more scrutiny — and the pressure is now firmly on for him to respond.

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