Group of Peers Set to Push for Referendum on Transfer of Chagos Islands
Former Conservative minister Lord Henry Bellingham expressed witnessing a significant amount of anger among Chagos islanders living in the UK.
A group of peers intends to compel the government to conduct a referendum among Chagossians regarding the transfer of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Led by former Conservative minister Lord Henry Bellingham, this group will propose an amendment to the treaty formalizing the handover of the British Overseas Territory once it reaches the House of Lords.
In an interview with the PA news agency, Bellingham stated, “The Government had committed to consulting with the Chagossians, but that commitment is not being fulfilled.”
Lord Bellingham, who previously served as the minister for overseas territories under former prime minister David Cameron, noted a widespread sense of discontent among Chagos islanders residing in the UK.
The Conservative peer emphasized the government’s lack of initiative in consulting with Chagossians and proposed that the only feasible method of proper consultation would be through a referendum, given the dispersed nature of the community.
With an estimated 3,500 Chagossians in the UK, organizing a referendum would necessitate a global awareness campaign by the British government to allow all individuals from the Chagos Islands to participate in the vote.
Bellingham emphasized the determination of Conservative peers to prevent the transfer, indicating solidarity among many crossbenchers and non-affiliated peers on this issue.
If the government proceeds with the treaty’s parliamentary approval, Bellingham stated that parliamentary procedures would be utilized to include a provision for a referendum.
The government has not disclosed the timetable for parliamentary approval of the treaty but mentioned that it would occur post-signing and following Mauritius’ elections.
New Government in Mauritius
In the recent Mauritian elections, opposition leader Navin Ramgoolam emerged as the new Prime Minister after his coalition won a significant majority in the national assembly.
Prior to this change in leadership, the outgoing Prime Minister’s government had close ties with China, as evidenced by various agreements signed between the two countries.
The initiation of negotiations between the UK and Mauritius over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands occurred in response to international pressures and the ruling of the International Court of Justice.
Conservative MP Daniel Kawczynski had previously cautioned against handing over the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, labeling it as a “client puppet state of China.”
Issue Resolved Between States
In response to Lord Bellingham’s assertions, a spokesperson from the FCDO reiterated the necessity for resolving the matter between states based on international legal decisions.
As part of the agreement, Mauritius will be permitted to implement a resettlement program for the islands, with an exclusion for Diego Garcia, while the UK will support a new trust fund for Mauritius to aid Chagossians.
The spokesperson affirmed ongoing engagement with members of the Chagossian community on various issues of importance.
Diego Garcia
The recent decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius assured the continued operation of the strategic U.S. military base on Diego Garcia.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy underscored the significance of this agreement in maintaining global security, preventing illegal migration routes, and fostering the UK’s enduring relationship with Mauritius.
The handover marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Chagos Islands, particularly with the establishment of clear protocols for the U.S. military base persisting on Diego Garcia.
The forced relocation of around 2,000 Chagossians in the 1970s to accommodate the expansion of the air base remains a contentious issue, coupled with Mauritius’ historical claim over the Chagos Islands.
PA Media and Chris Summers contributed to this report.
