Boris Johnson says handing over the Chagos Islands would be a 'colossal mistake'

Foreign Secretary James Cleverley said the British-American military base on Diego Garcia was “absolutely secure”; Photo: APFootage/Alamy

Boris Johnson accused ministers of preparing to make a “colossal mistake” by handing over a strategic Indian Ocean island chain to ally China.

Former Prime Minister Minister says he has heard from “sources” that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is ready to sign an agreement to transfer ownership of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius.

Writing in the Daily Mail, he said the decision would «call into question the West's greatest strategic asset» and risked undermining the UK's strong military ties with the US.

The islands are crucial as it is home to the Diego military base. Garcia, which was leased to America and from where planes flew during the war. Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

An airstrip and airbase on Diego Garcia leased to the United States by the United Kingdom. Photo: NB/ROD/Alamy

Government sources insisted there was no question of giving up control of the strategic airfield as part of any deal to transfer wider control.

G- Mr Johnson wrote: “If my sources are correct, we are about to hand over our title and for no good reason. This country appears to be on the verge of a colossal mistake.

«Just as the Chinese are building airstrips over every reef and atoll they can find — places that were never Chinese possessions — we are throwing the sponge.

«We are going to lower the flag by throwing question an important Western strategic asset.»

The deal could harm relations with the US.

Mr Johnson said the decision could harm relations with the US, which could then strike a direct deal with Mauritius over further use islands. .

“The Americans don’t tell us important nuclear secrets just because they love little old England. They don't share intelligence because they adore our quirky accent.

“We have a wonderful and irreplaceable relationship because we have important things to offer, including Diego Garcia. I can't believe we're going to let this happen.”

James Cleverley, the foreign secretary, has previously stressed that he was working closely with US allies on the potential transfer of the islands.

Speaking in July, he said: “They know that I absolutely understand how important the operations on Diego Garcia are, and they know that we will fully protect them.”

“I have expressed this directly to the United States. that we absolutely perceive the ability to operate from Diego Garcia as an absolute key element in this and absolutely ensure that we can continue to do so unimpeded.»

Mauritius' ten-year campaign< p>Ministers began negotiations over the possible transfer of the Chagos Islands last November years after the 10-year Mauritius campaign.

Any agreement to hand them over is intended to allow former residents who were displaced in the 1960s when the air base was built to return.

The Telegraph understands that preparatory work for negotiations first began in early 2022. when Johnson was still prime minister.

Since then, five rounds of negotiations have taken place. negotiations, the sixth set is due to take place later this month. A deal is not believed to be imminent.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: “The UK and Mauritius have held five rounds of constructive talks on the exercise of sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory/Chagos Archipelago.” and officials will meet again soon to continue negotiations.

“The UK and Mauritius have confirmed that any agreement between our two countries will ensure the continued effective operation of the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, which plays a vital role role in regional and global security.»