UK territory handover sparks unexpected protest in London's east end
Hundreds of Chagos islanders gather to oppose UK-Mauritius territory deal made last month. Protesters warn this decision might set dangerous pattern for other British overseas territories
In a packed east-london chapel last night hundreds of Chagos islanders showed their anger about UKʼs recent decision. The gathering (which took place at Round Chapel in Hackney) brought together people worried about their future after the Oct-2024 UK-Mauritius deal
Misley Mandarin from British Indian Ocean Territory Citizens raised serious points: the deal happened with no self-determination or proper parliament discussion. “If they could do this to us they could do it to any British territory; theres no trust left“ he said
The move already got attention from other countries: Argentinas foreign minister Diana Mondino pointed to possible actions about Falklands after the deal. This created a chain-reaction that nobody expected
Avraham Ono who was born on the islands spoke about his feelings: “The island never belonged to Mauritius; why did they do it - we dont get answers“
- No talks with islanders before the deal
- Two previous payments to Mauritius for territory rights
- Important US military base location
- Possible impact on other UK territories
Lord Hannan pointed to identity-politics as main reason for the deal — the government just saw it as giving something to non-white population. Wendy Morton MP noted the strange timing: “It came during recess; why so quick“
Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf thinks US might step in: their Diego Garcia base is too important‚ and with Donald Trump possibly coming back to power - theres hope for change
