Westminster was rocked by extraordinary scenes as veteran Conservative MP Sir Edward Leigh launched a blistering attack on his own government, accusing ministers of effectively taking instructions from "a foreign power" in the ongoing sovereignty dispute with Mauritius.
Parliamentary Explosion Over Indian Ocean Territory
The dramatic confrontation unfolded during Foreign Office questions when Sir Edward, a respected backbencher with decades of parliamentary experience, dropped what colleagues described as a "political bombshell" regarding the Chagos Islands dispute.
"Are we now so scared, so weak, that we are being instructed by a foreign power what to do?" the Gainsborough MP demanded of Foreign Office minister David Rutley, his voice thick with frustration.
Cross-Bench Support for Stunning Allegation
In a remarkable show of cross-party concern, Labour MP Stephen Doughty immediately rose to support Sir Edward's intervention, describing the situation as "extraordinary" and demanding the minister provide clarity on the government's position.
The heated exchange centres on the long-running dispute over the Chagos Archipelago, which Mauritius claims as its sovereign territory despite the UK maintaining control of the British Indian Ocean Territory.
Diplomatic Tensions Reach Boiling Point
This parliamentary eruption comes amid growing international pressure on Britain regarding the islands, with the United Nations International Court of Justice having previously stated that the UK should relinquish control.
Minister Rutley attempted to defuse the situation, insisting the government was "working closely with international partners" and remained committed to "securing a bilateral agreement" with Mauritius. However, his reassurances did little to calm the visibly agitated MPs.
Broader Implications for Post-Brexit Britain
Political analysts suggest this public airing of diplomatic frustrations reflects deeper concerns about Britain's global positioning following its departure from the European Union. The spectacle of a senior Conservative MP accusing his own government of foreign subservience marks a significant moment in parliamentary scrutiny of foreign policy.
The government now faces increasing pressure to provide greater transparency about its negotiations with Mauritius and address mounting concerns about sovereignty and international influence in the post-Brexit landscape.
