Andy Burnham has been accused of being "as weak" as Sir Keir Starmer following reports that he intends to revive the controversial Chagos Islands deal. The plan, which would hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and then lease back the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, was halted after criticism from Donald Trump. However, Burnham, widely seen as the prime minister-in-waiting, is reportedly considering resurrecting the agreement.
Sources told the Guido Fawkes website that Burnham has been heavily influenced by National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, who previously described the archipelago as “very tiny islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean where no one actually goes”. The deal would see the UK cede sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius, while paying to lease back the strategically important Diego Garcia base.
Conservative backlash
Tory Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel condemned the move, stating: “It is staggering that Andy Burnham apparently wants to resuscitate Labour’s disgraceful Chagos Surrender. This deal not only threatens our national security – it also stands to cost hard-pressed British taxpayers £35 billion.” She added: “Labour may be changing leaders, but they clearly remain a soft touch on the global stage, desperate to appease China. Burnham should leave this appalling deal where it belongs: on the ash heap of history. The Conservatives will keep fighting against it for as long as it takes.”
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp echoed the criticism, saying: “This is not promising. Andy Burnham is shaping up to be as weak as Keir Starmer.”
Background and risks
The deal has been paused indefinitely after Trump branded it “an act of great stupidity”. The UK government has argued that the agreement is necessary to secure the future of the Diego Garcia military base following a 2019 International Court of Justice ruling that backed Mauritian claims to sovereignty over the archipelago. However, critics warn of the enormous cost—estimated at £35 billion—and the risk that China could benefit due to its close ties with Mauritius.
Burnham’s team has been contacted for comment. The controversy comes as Burnham prepares to take over as Labour leader, with some questioning whether he will adopt a tougher stance on foreign policy than his predecessor.
