The Chagos Islands are strategically important and handing them over to Mauritius, which faces China, could damage the UK's relationship with the US. Photo: Reuters < p>Rishi Sunak has been urged to consider cutting off foreign aid payments to Mauritius due to the escalating Chagos Islands dispute.
A leading think tank said the Prime Minister should view the move as part of a scaling up of ties in response to “gangster tactics”.
Mauritius has claimed sovereignty over a strategic chain of islands in the Indian Ocean where the military is based. Diego Garcia base.
As part of its international legal requirement, the country has passed a domestic law that criminalizes anyone who calls Chagos British.
Policy Exchange, a centre-right think tank, warned in a new report that the draconian legislation puts ministers and members of parliament at potential risk.
The penalty for “distorting the sovereignty of Mauritius over any part of its territory” is 10 years in prison under rule 2021.
Rishi Sunak urged to stop aid to Mauritius. Photo: HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images
Sir Robert Buckland, a former justice secretary, said it was “a clear attempt to shut down legitimate debate about the future of Chagos.” Islands.”
In the foreword to the Policy Exchange report, he compared it to the draconian security laws passed by the Chinese government to outlaw democracy in Hong Kong.
“This represents a threat to freedom of expression, including freedom of speech in the Westminster Parliament, and is a horrendous example of abuse,” he wrote.
“I hope the UK stands firm in the face of this blatant attempt to stifle debate and intimidate those who express views different from those of Mauritius. For normal relations to resume, this law must be repealed.”
Dr Yuan Yi Zhu, associate professor of international law at Leiden University, said Britain should respond by cutting foreign aid payments by £3 million.
p>Limit ongoing negotiations
In his report to Policy Exchange, he called on Mr Sunak to “limit high-level contacts with Mauritius in relation to the Chagos Islands, including but not limited to contacts in relation to ongoing negotiations regarding Chagos sovereignty.”
He added: “The UK Government should also consider additional measures such as recalling the British High Commissioner to Mauritius for consultation and suspending UK foreign aid to Mauritius, which amounts to £3.11 million for 2023/2024.” financial year.”
The Government had been negotiating the transfer of the territory, although two senior Cabinet ministers have now intervened to stall the process.
Grant Shapps, the Defense Secretary, and Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary , oppose transferring control of the islands to Mauritius.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson also warned that giving up the archipelago would damage security ties with the White House.< /p>
Diego is here Garcia is an airbase leased by the United States from which American and British aircraft flew during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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