Nigel Farage Faces Backlash Over Chagos Islands Trip Claims
Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has sparked controversy after alleging that the British government prevented him from traveling to the Chagos Islands on a humanitarian mission. In a video posted on X, Farage stated he flew to the Maldives to join a delegation aiding Chagossian campaigners but was blocked by UK authorities. He claimed, "The British government are applying pressure on the president and the government of the Maldives to do everything within their power to stop me getting on that boat and going to the Chagos Islands."
Political Stunt Accusations and Government Response
Former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace labeled Farage's actions a "cheap stunt" and accused him of "performing MAGA stunts," referencing the strict permit requirements for the British Indian Ocean Territory. The UK Foreign Office website explicitly notes that the territory is not a tourist destination, with access restricted to those with prior permits. Wallace emphasized, "There are strict rules and permits about who can visit. Pub bores like Farage need to fill in a form!"
Government sources revealed that the UK was not informed in advance of Farage's travel plans, and a spokesperson stated the primary concern is ensuring the safety of individuals on islands unfit for habitation. Farage's trip, which involved a private jet flight to the Maldives for just over a day, coincided with a byelection in Greater Manchester, leading to criticism from Labour sources who called it a wasteful diversion from campaigning.
Background on the Chagos Islands Dispute
The Chagos Islands have been a point of international tension, with the UK planning to transfer control to Mauritius. Up to 2,000 Chagossians were forcibly removed in the 1960s and 1970s to make way for a joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia. Many seek the right to return, and Farage aimed to visit Île du Coin, where campaigners established a settlement. Recent developments include US President Donald Trump urging Keir Starmer not to "give away Diego Garcia," amid reports of US dissatisfaction over UK refusal to use airbases for strikes on Iran.
Farage defended his actions, telling the Daily Telegraph he received warnings from Maldives government sources about UK opposition. In his video, he asserted, "Here I am, a member of parliament, leader of a political party that’s topping the polls. The British government, the high commissioner here, they’re doing everything they can." Reform UK has not commented further on the incident.
