Starmer's Chagos Sovereignty Wobble Quelled by Powell and Hermer
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer experienced a significant wavering over the Chagos Islands sovereignty agreement, according to reports emerging on Thursday. It is alleged that the Prime Minister changed his mind and reconsidered proceeding with the deal to cede sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius, before being talked down by key advisers Jonathan Powell and Lord Hermer.
The Reported Wobble and Its Causes
The Spectator magazine detailed that this wavering stemmed from multiple pressures. Lord Mandelson highlighted that Sir Keir's hesitation was driven by the substantial £35 billion price tag associated with the agreement and doubts over the legal position of the obligation to enter the deal. Under the terms signed last year, Britain would cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, a nation allied with China, while paying billions to lease back the joint UK/US military base on Diego Garcia.
Advisers Intervene to Steady the Course
The publication reported a very difficult meeting between Sir Keir's political team and Jonathan Powell, the former chief of staff to Sir Tony Blair, who now serves as National Security Adviser. This followed a focus group where voters reacted with incredulity to the deal, prompting questions about its necessity. Powell reportedly insisted it was in the interests of national security, a stance that faced internal scepticism.
Vidhya Alakeson, recently promoted to joint chief of staff, was said to have sharply questioned how the deal aligned with security interests if it risked aiding Reform in the next general election. According to sources, the Prime Minister's reconsideration persisted for days, until Powell and Attorney General Lord Hermer, described as siren voices, successfully persuaded him. Colleagues noted Powell's disregard for British politics, while Lord Hermer, a champion of international law, has influenced other contentious decisions.
Political and Legislative Context
The legislation for this agreement is still progressing through Parliament, having been temporarily withdrawn after former US President Donald Trump labelled it an act of great stupidity, though he later offered qualified backing. Lord Mandelson revealed facing a sceptical US administration alongside a wobbly UK government, complicating diplomatic efforts.
The Conservative Party has branded the agreement a surrender, warning that Mauritius's close alliance with China poses risks. This political friction underscores the high-stakes nature of the deal, balancing international law, security concerns, and domestic opinion.
