Andy Burnham has doubled down on Labour’s plans to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, despite Donald Trump’s repeated threats to block the deal.
Behind closed doors, the Prime Minister reassured the Indian and Chinese-allied island nation that Britain is committed to giving up the archipelago – even if they have to wait until after the US President leaves office.
Downing Street said he set out his intention for Britain and Mauritius to work “closely” together and offered up a number of “clear benefits the two countries could bring to each other across a range of shared objectives”.
These include tackling climate change, combatting illicit finance, and boosting growth and trade, No10 said.
A statement also confirmed that Mr Burnham “underlined his commitment to working with Mauritius and the United States on a way forward that secures the operation of the base and protects UK national security”.
Mr Burnham went on to personally back the controversial deal last night.
“We remain determined to secure the long-term operation of the base, which is crucial to our security and that of our allies,” he said.
“The assurance I gave was I will work towards a resolution. At the moment we don’t have that, but I gave an assurance that I would commit to working towards one.”
Andy Burnham, alongside his wife, has set off for New York
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Earlier this month, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting also confirmed Labour was “committed” to the deal.
He further confirmed he was working “closely” with the US, which has repeatedly and publicly opposed it.
The deal cannot go ahead unless the Americans agree to amend a 1966 treaty which grants the US and UK joint military use of the islands.
In its current state, the UK risks breaking international law.
Mr Trump previously slammed the deal as an “act of great stupidity” in an extraordinary outburst when Sir Keir attempted to cede the islands to the Mauritius as Labour leader.
But the US Commander-in-Chief has refused to give up.
MORE ON THE CHAGOS ‘SURRENDER’:
Mr Trump has condemned the deal repeatedly
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Earlier that same week, the President told GB News the deal was “terrible”.
“It was like they were giving it to people that nobody even knows if they have any right to it,” he said.
Ahead of Mr Burnham’s first meeting with the President, Sarah Elliott, a board member at Republicans Overseas UK, said Mr Trump was likely to continue his opposition to the deal.
“I think it is a terrible move by the Government,” she said.
Senior Tories have warned that the Chagos deal has fanned the flames surrounding Argentinian President Javier Milei trying to claim the Falklands.
While Ms Elliott also warned that Britain should not expect Mr Trump to “necessarily be favourable in recognising the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands”.
Key facts about the Chagos Islands | GB NEWS
The Chagos Islands are home to the strategically important joint US-UK Diego Garcia military base, currently being used to refuel and service fighter jets striking Iran.
Sir Keir’s deal would hand the islands to Mauritius while spending £101million annually for 99 years to lease back the military base.
The staggering costs would put the total pricetag at £34billion in nominal terms while opponents of the deal have suggested it could cost closer to £50billion.
Mauritian sources previously revealed they have been plotting to use the UN summit to push Mr Burnham to commit to the agreement.
Back in May, Mr Ramgoolam threatened to sue the UK if the deal was not upheld, confirming his Government was “exploring legal avenues in the Chagos case”.
Various ministers and officials complained there was a lack of “visibility” over when the deal could materialise.
No10 said on Monday the Prime Minister hoped Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband would be able to meet his Mauritian counterpart Ritish Ramful at the UN this week.