A Conservative Member of Parliament has dismissed concerns that access to a crucial communications system could be jeopardized without the Chagos Islands agreement. Downing Street had indicated that the "electromagnetic spectrum" at the UK-US military base on the Chagos Islands, which facilitates secure communications in the region, would be unable to function without an agreement.
The United Kingdom intends to relinquish sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius while simultaneously paying to lease back the strategically significant Diego Garcia base. The Prime Minister's official spokesperson stated, "The unambiguous advice we have received is that the base's future operation would be jeopardized without an agreement."
"The base would be inoperable under current conditions and would be unable to function as intended, which would have negative consequences for our national security and be a boon to our adversaries," the spokesperson continued. "For instance, the electromagnetic spectrum at the Diego Garcia base would be unable to function without an agreement.
5 Comments
The Truth
This is a dangerous precedent. It will only encourage other countries to make similar demands.
Answer
The people of the UK deserve better than this. We need a government that will protect our interests.
The Truth
Finally, the UK is taking steps to decolonize the Chagos Islands. This is a long-overdue move.
Answer
The people of the Chagos Islands have suffered for too long. This agreement is a long-awaited victory for them.
Cerebro
The UK must stand up for its sovereignty. We cannot allow ourselves to be bullied by other countries.