Former Conservative MP Michael Fabricant has criticised Labour's decision to give up sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling it "symptomatic" of the current Government's approach.
Speaking to GB News, Fabricant said: "It is symptomatic of this Government that they just want to concede to every single demand. It's damaging to the security of the United Kingdom, but it's inflationary too."
He expressed concern about the potential implications for British and American interests in the Indian Ocean, particularly given Mauritius' close ties with China.
Fabricant also questioned the timing of the announcement, which "came when Parliament was not in session".
Fabricant questioned the timing of the announcement
GB News
The Chagos Islands, a remote archipelago in the Indian Ocean, have been at the centre of a long-standing dispute between the UK and Mauritius.
The UK Government announced on Thursday that it would cede sovereignty to Mauritius after decades of negotiations.
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The deal includes Diego Garcia, which hosts a crucial US-UK military base. Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the agreement "secures this vital military base for the future" and will "strengthen our role in safeguarding global security".
However, the decision has sparked controversy, with some Conservative politicians, including Fabricant, expressing concerns about its impact on national security and global strategic interests.
Fabricant warned about China's growing influence in the region, stating: "Mauritius has got very close ties now with the People's Republic of China, and China are looking for more and more bases in the Indian Ocean."
Keir Starmer is the current Prime Minister
PAThe former MP warned that the decision could undermine the strategic purpose of the Chagos Islands, which he described as "a bulwark against China".
Fabricant also criticised Labour's broader approach to governance, saying: "This is just symptomatic of this Labour government who seemed to concede everything when anybody asks for it, whether it's railway drivers, whether it's junior doctors, and now whether it's Mauritius."
Fabricant drew a stark contrast between Keir Starmer and former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair. He said: "Keir Starmer is no Tony Blair. I've said this before.
He suggested that decisions like the Chagos Islands deal contribute to Labour's current unpopularity
GB News
"You know three months after the 1997 general election, Tony Blair had a popularity rating of plus 68.
"Now, less than three months after the last general election, Keir Starmer has a popularity rating of minus -23."
This comparison highlights Fabricant's view that Starmer's leadership is failing to resonate with the public.
He suggested that decisions like the Chagos Islands deal contribute to Labour's current unpopularity.