In a remarkable and rare political endorsement, Pope Francis has publicly commended Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his government's decision to relinquish UK sovereignty over the Chagos Islands. The move, which involves a complex £3.5 billion agreement with Mauritius, has been hailed by the Vatican as a profound victory for international justice and the final chapter of British colonial rule.
The deal, negotiated behind closed doors, signifies a dramatic shift in UK foreign policy. It concludes decades of intense diplomatic dispute and international court battles over the archipelago's status, a lingering issue since Mauritius gained independence in 1968.
The Vatican's Unprecedented Praise
A statement released from the Holy See expressed Pope Leo's full-throated support for the agreement. The Pope characterised the decision not merely as a political transaction but as a "significant moral victory" and a crucial step towards righting the historical wrongs of colonialism. This direct benediction from the Vatican lends a powerful ethical dimension to the Foreign Office's decision.
Unpacking the £3.5bn 'Surrender' Deal
The arrangement, which some critics have labelled a 'surrender', involves the formal transfer of the islands' sovereignty to Mauritius. In return, the UK has secured a binding, long-term agreement to maintain its strategic military base on Diego Garcia, a key asset for Anglo-American forces in the Indian Ocean. The financial component of the deal is believed to cover infrastructure and development projects for Mauritius and support for the resettlement of displaced Chagossians.
The Foreign Office has defended the agreement, stating it provides a sustainable framework that respects the rights of all parties while securing vital UK defence interests for the future.
A Contentious History and a New Path Forward
The Chagos Archipelago has been a focal point of international legal contention for years. The International Court of Justice and the United Nations General Assembly have previously issued rulings demanding the UK end its administration of the territory. This new deal is seen as the Starmer government's decisive action to comply with international law and forge a new, cooperative relationship with Mauritius, moving beyond the disputes of the past.
