Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended the government’s decision to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, emphasizing the importance of securing the future of the joint US-UK military base on the islands. The move has been met with criticism from various politicians, with some calling it a “capitulation” and others labeling it as “weak.” The process of negotiating with Mauritius, which led to the agreement, took 13 rounds with the majority under the previous Tory administration.
Starmer’s comments come amidst a heated debate within the Conservative party over the agreement and the decision-making process. Some have criticized the lack of parliamentary debate on the matter, while others have raised concerns about potential geopolitical implications. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the agreement as “sheer political correctness” and questioned the value of handing over the islands to Mauritius.
Moreover, Starmer addressed questions about political donations and gifts, highlighting his personal decision to repay some gifts while new principles are being developed. He reaffirmed his commitment to a free vote on assisted dying and emphasized the government’s focus on investing in carbon capture technology.
Overall, Starmer’s government is positioning itself as one focused on investment, contrasting with the perceived decline under the previous administration. The announcement of investment in green technology is seen as a step towards national renewal and a long-term industrial strategy. Starmer underscored the need for stability and a clear plan to drive forward economic growth and attract investments.
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