Aphra Brandreth, MP for Chester South and Eddisbury, spoke out against legislation that she described as a “uniquely bad deal” for the country, taxpayers, and the British Chagossian people.
At the start of this Parliament, she said she could never have imagined being asked to consider a Bill that would sign away sovereignty of the Chagos Islands while asking the British people to pay billions for the privilege.
An Eye-Watering Cost to the Taxpayer
The Government initially claimed the deal would cost £3.4 billion over 99 years. But a freedom of information request later revealed the true cost is closer to £35 billion, with some estimates as high as £47 billion.
Aphra Brandreth MP highlighted that £35 billion could fund 70 hospitals, 10 aircraft carriers, or a 5% cut in income tax, arguing that the so-called deal represents poor value for money.
Weakening National Security
She warned that the Chagos Islands are of huge strategic importance in one of the most contested regions of the world, with the Diego Garcia base playing a vital role in national security and supporting allies.
Under the deal, however, the UK would be compelled to expeditiously inform the Mauritian Government of our actions. Aphra noted clarification from Government that no advanced notification is required, although she questioned why we should have to inform Mauritius at all, expeditiously or not. Aphra stressed that this deal does not make Britain safer, pointing out that China, Iran and Russia have all welcomed the agreement. If adversaries see the deal as a success, she argued, Ministers should pause and reflect.
Betraying British Chagossians
Aphra also raised concern that the agreement leaves the British Chagossian community betrayed. Their rights of return to their homeland are not guaranteed, and the trust fund meant to support them will be controlled entirely by Mauritius with no formal role for British Chagossians.
She recalled meeting members of the community in Parliament earlier this year, who told her they felt ignored, excluded and let down. She called on the Government to implement the House of Lords recommendation for a proper consultation mechanism so that British Chagossians have a real say in their future.
Protecting the Environment
Aphra Brandreth MP further highlighted the risk to the pristine marine environment around the Chagos Islands. These waters are home to hundreds of species of coral, fish and molluscs, and have been fully protected by the UK since 2010. She warned that there is little assurance the Mauritian Government has the capacity to maintain these protections, raising fears that trawling and overfishing could follow.
A Bad Deal for Britain
Concluding her remarks, Aphra Brandreth MP said that from the financial burden to the security risks, the environmental concerns and the betrayal of British Chagossians, this is a deal that asks Britain to pay more, risk more, and gain nothing in return.
When the Prime Minister negotiates, Britain loses.
