Tories Claim Government in Retreat on Chagos 'Surrender' After Trump Broadside
The Conservative Party has accused the government of retreating on its controversial Chagos Islands handover, following the unexpected postponement of a key parliamentary debate. This development comes after former US President Donald Trump branded the decision to transfer the islands, which host a vital UK-US military base, as "an act of great stupidity" and a sign of "total weakness".
Parliamentary Showdown Postponed Amid Tory Pressure
The government has withdrawn a scheduled debate and votes in the House of Lords, originally set for Monday, in the latest round of parliamentary "ping pong" over the Chagos legislation. This move has been welcomed by jubilant Conservative figures, with Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel declaring it a "major victory" for opponents of what she termed Keir Starmer's "disgraceful Chagos surrender."
Peers had been due to debate motions passed in the Commons on Tuesday, which overturned Lords amendments to the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill. Earlier this month, the Lords inflicted four defeats on the government over the bill, demanding:
- A halt to payments to Mauritius
- A referendum on the deal
- Full costings of the agreement
- A parliamentary veto over the handover
Trump's Intervention and Conservative Response
Donald Trump's weekend criticism of the Chagos deal prompted Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch to taunt Sir Keir Starmer during Prime Minister's Questions, stating: "We didn't need President Trump to tell us that. We've been saying that for 12 months."
In response to the postponement, Priti Patel posted on social media: "In the face of relentless Conservative pressure, Labour have pulled their shameful Chagos Surrender Bill from Monday's House of Lords order paper... The deal, which hands British sovereign territory and £35 billion to an ally of China, should be dropped altogether."
Constitutional Duty or Political Gamesmanship?
Defending the Conservative position, Shadow Foreign Office spokesman Lord Callanan argued: "We are carrying out our constitutional duty to scrutinise bad legislation. It is Labour that are irresponsible and reckless for asking Parliament to pass a bill that risks breaking international law."
The Conservative peer highlighted that the government admitted needing to amend the 1966 Treaty with the USA on 22 December but still hasn't concluded that work. He warned: "This bill, which will cost the British people £35 billion and fundamentally threatens our national security, cannot proceed."
Government Denies Retreat Amidst Political Tensions
The government has firmly denied any retreat from the Chagos deal, confirming Monday's withdrawal from Lords debates while insisting the business would be rescheduled. A government spokesperson told Sky News: "The government remains fully committed to the deal to secure the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia, which is vital for our national security."
The spokesperson criticised peers for what they called "irresponsible and reckless behaviour", arguing their role is to check legislation rather than interfere with national security priorities. On Conservative claims that the deal breaches international law, the spokesperson added: "This is complete nonsense. The deal fully complies with international law."
Behind the Scenes: Wrecking Amendments and Rescheduling
A Labour source in the Lords revealed that Monday's debate was withdrawn because Conservatives tabled a wrecking amendment late on Friday. The source insisted the debate would be rescheduled, with Chief Whip Lord Kennedy determining the timing in consultation with government colleagues, expected within the next few weeks.
The source explained: "It is simply a response to Tory peers having flexed their much greater numbers in the House by tabling a wrecking amendment to a government bill just hours before the end of business ahead of a scheduled debate on the next sitting day."
This parliamentary manoeuvring highlights the intense political battle surrounding the Chagos Islands deal, which involves transferring sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius while maintaining the strategic Diego Garcia military base through a long-term agreement.
