House of Lords plan could change fate of strategic Indian Ocean islands
British peers want to slow down Chagos Islands transfer to Mauritius through community voting requirement. The move might help Trump block the deal after he takes office early next year
In a complex political-move House of Lords members are trying to slow-down the hand-over of Chagos Islands to Mauritius (a deal that current US administration supports)
Back in late-60s UK government moved about 1‚500 islanders away from their homes to make space for Diego Garcia air-base; now their descendants might get a chance to vote on islands future
The main push comes from Lord Bellingham who wants to add special rules to the treaty: “The only way to ensure proper consultation is if theres a referendum“ he states. Finding all 3‚500 Chagossians would be hard but not impossible - similar to how Oxford tracks its graduates worldwide
Donald Trumpʼs team doesnt like the current deal because of security issues. They think China might use its influence in Indian Ocean after the transfer happens: this worries US military leaders who use Diego Garcia as key-base
The Foreign Office says the draft includes rules that would:
- Let Mauritius handle resettlement programs
- Create new money-fund for Chagossians
- Allow islanders to visit archipelago
- Keep important base protections
Lord Bellingham thinks his plan will work: “Its going to be very difficult to override the Lords on this; and I think Mr Trump will then have his say.“ The voting requirement would push everything past Jan-20 when new US president takes office
