SIR Keir Starmer has been accused of a “dangerous capitulation” after handing control of the Chagos Islands to one of China’s close allies.
Sovereignty of the strategically-important archipelago has today been relinquished to Mauritius after 50 years of British rule.
The cluster of Indian Ocean islands has been crucial to the West given the joint UK-US Diego Garcia military base.
The deal will see Britain keep control of the base but give up sovereignty of the rest of the overseas territory following a long–running dispute.
Sir Keir today insisted the agreement would safeguard the “steadfast duty to national and global security” through continued access to Diego Garcia.
But former Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: “This is absolutely appalling.
“Surrendering sovereignty here creates read across to other British bases. It’s a weak and deeply regrettable act from this government.”
Tory leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick piled in: “It’s taken three months for Starmer to surrender Britain’s strategic interests.
“This is a dangerous capitulation that will hand our territory to an ally of Beijing.”
Former Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said: “This is a shameful retreat undermining our security and leaving our allies exposed.
“The Foreign Office has negotiated against Britain’s interest & it was disgraceful that these negotiations started under our watch.”
Rival leadership candidate James Cleverly railed: “Weak, weak, weak!
“Labour lied to get into office. Said they’d be whiter than white, said they wouldn’t put up taxes, said they’d stand up to the EU, said that they be patriotic.”
Tory MP Andrew Rosindell added: “This is a shameful betrayal by Labour.
“The loyal people of all UK’s Overseas Territories will shudder at this announcement.”
Under the arrangement, Britain will provide a package cash support to Mauritius but is keeping the overall amount under wraps.
The Foreign Office insists the deal means the status of Diego Garcia is undisputed for at least the next 99 years.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy blamed the Tory government for leaving the future of the base in the lurch.
He said: “This government inherited a situation where the long-term, secure operation of the Diego Garcia military base was under threat, with contested sovereignty and ongoing legal challenges.”
He also pointed to the blessing from outgoing US President Joe Biden.
It is understood Donald Trump was not informed but UK officials believe he will support the decision if elected to the White House.
Sir Keir marked the deal in an agreement with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Jugnauth, this morning.
A No10 spokesman said: “The leaders began by welcoming the political agreement achieved today between the UK and Mauritius on the exercise of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago after two years of negotiations.
“The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of reaching this deal to protect the continued operation of the UK/US military base on Diego Garcia.
“He underscored his steadfast duty to national and global security which underpinned the political agreement reached today.”
Britain assumed control of the Chagos Islands in 1968 when it granted Mauritius its own independence.
Since then Mauritius has said it was illegally forced to give over sovereignty and has disputed Britain’s claim.
