A High Court judge's injunction has suspended the UK government's negotiations regarding the Chagos Islands deal with Mauritius. Justice Goose granted the temporary relief at 02:25 BST to two Chagossian women, Bernadette Dugasse and Bertrice Pompe, who contested the Foreign Office's actions without proper consultation with the Chagossian people. This agreement was poised to handover the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while permitting the continued presence of UK and US military operations for up to 99 years.
The government spokesperson acknowledged the injunction but refrained from commenting on active legal processes, asserting that the deal is crucial for British safety. The Attorney General of Mauritius, Gavin Glover, opted not to comment as the case is set to be heard again later today.
This case reflects the long-standing grievances of the Chagossian community, which claims that their voices are often disregarded in discussions about their homeland. Chagossians, whose histories are intricately linked to the islands, express mixed sentiments; while some desire to return, others seek recognition of their rights in the UK.
The Chagos Archipelago was taken from Mauritius in 1965 under controversial circumstances during British colonial rule, with significant impacts on the local population, who were forcibly removed to facilitate a US military installation on Diego Garcia. The communities are now appealing for their right to be part of discussions about their land's future.
As the judge's order maintains UK jurisdiction over the territory, the negotiations remain suspended, and pressure mounts both domestically and internationally concerning the rightful sovereignty of the islands. Critics, including Priti Patel from the Conservative party, argue the proposed deal negatively impacts national security, further complicating the situation as the court proceedings unfold.
The government spokesperson acknowledged the injunction but refrained from commenting on active legal processes, asserting that the deal is crucial for British safety. The Attorney General of Mauritius, Gavin Glover, opted not to comment as the case is set to be heard again later today.
This case reflects the long-standing grievances of the Chagossian community, which claims that their voices are often disregarded in discussions about their homeland. Chagossians, whose histories are intricately linked to the islands, express mixed sentiments; while some desire to return, others seek recognition of their rights in the UK.
The Chagos Archipelago was taken from Mauritius in 1965 under controversial circumstances during British colonial rule, with significant impacts on the local population, who were forcibly removed to facilitate a US military installation on Diego Garcia. The communities are now appealing for their right to be part of discussions about their land's future.
As the judge's order maintains UK jurisdiction over the territory, the negotiations remain suspended, and pressure mounts both domestically and internationally concerning the rightful sovereignty of the islands. Critics, including Priti Patel from the Conservative party, argue the proposed deal negatively impacts national security, further complicating the situation as the court proceedings unfold.
