Nuclear weapons ban fears add to Chagos deal tensions

Diplomatic tensions are rising over Sir Keir Starmer’s controversial Chagos Islands deal, with fears the UK government is unable to guarantee whether nuclear weapons will be able to be stored at the Diego Garcia base.

- DAVID MADDOX

Concerns have been raised about the strategically crucial but secretive joint UK-US base in the Indian Ocean after a written answer by defence minister Luke Pollard was unable to confirm further details.

The issue has arisen because Mauritius, which is set to take ownership of the islands under Labour’s deal, is part of the Africa nuclear weapons-free zone under the terms of the Treaty of Pelindaba.

Any question marks over nuclear weapons at the base under a lease agreement could potentially hit the US even more than the UK. Previously, The Independent revealed Donald Trump is seeking a way to veto the deal because of his concerns over its potential security impact.

A member of Trump’s team this week confirmed to The Independent that Chagos is “a high priority issue” for “day one” when the president-elect takes office on 20 January. It was claimed there has been no communication yet from Sir Keir’s government to Mr Trump’s team regarding the deal.