𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Sir Keir Starmer is facing outrage after Labour pledged more taxpayer cash to boost Mauritius’s economy, security and climate projects following the Chagos Islands deal, which is estimated to cost up to £35bn in total nominal value. The Prime Minister signed the controversial agreement in May 2025, which includes handing over the British territory in exchange for an average annual payment to Mauritius of £101 million and a leaseback deal for the key Diego Garcia military base.

New research by the Taxpayers’ Alliance has uncovered further FCDO plans to support the Indian Ocean island nation with economic growth, maritime security and renewable energy initiatives. This includes access to a £12million climate finance scheme expected to unlock hundreds of millions in green funding. Critics have accused the Government of prioritising overseas spending while British families struggle with rising food inflation and energy bills.

Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel told GB News: “Keir Starmer’s Chagos Surrender represented a serious threat to our national security and that of our allies.

“The Conservatives fought tirelessly to get it consigned to the ash heap of history. Not content with paying Mauritius for the privilege of leasing back our own military base, Starmer also agreed to hand over more hard-pressed taxpayers’ cash to grow the Mauritian economy.

“It beggars belief – and it must be stopped. This is yet another example of ludicrous Labour waste. The Conservatives will slash foreign aid spending and put Britain’s national interest first.”

The deal, which deepens trade ties and UK export financing, has been delayed after losing support from US President Donald Trump. It also commits Britain to joint efforts on climate change, maritime security and law enforcement cooperation, including cyber training.

Reform UK Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick said: “Not a single penny of taxpayers’ money should be going to Mauritius. This is another scandalous waste of money from a Government more interested in helping people abroad than those struggling here at home.”

Taxpayers’ Alliance Investigations Campaign Manager Callum McGoldrick said: “Hard-pressed British taxpayers will be bewildered to find out they are picking up the tab for projects in Mauritius. Surrendering the Chagos Islands was bad enough, but expecting UK families to fund maritime security and climate programs there too is rubbing salt into the wound. At a time when households face a record tax burden, ministers must pull the plug on these foreign aid pet projects.”

An FCDO spokesman responded: “National security is the first duty of this government. That’s why, to fund a necessary increase in defence spending, the Government has taken the decision to reduce the UK ODA budget to 0.3 % of Gross National Income by 2027.

“We remain absolutely committed to tackling the global challenges of hunger, disease, insecurity and conflict. But we have been clear we must modernise our approach to development to reflect the changing global context.”

The revelations have fuelled fresh anger over the sovereignty surrender, with concerns continuing over national security, military capabilities and value for British taxpayers.