UK will return Chagos Islands to Mauritius

The UK has finalized a deal to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, securing a key military base after a judge overturned a legal challenge. The agreement was supported by the US. Prime Minister Starmer stated the deal, which includes a 99-year lease for the Diego Garcia military base, was crucial for maintaining British and American control. The UK will pay Mauritius £101 million annually. The agreement follows a last-minute court challenge by Chagossians, who were forcibly removed decades ago. The deal aims to resolve ownership disputes and ensure the base's continued operation.