Britain is about to wrong the Chagos Islanders yet again
If there is one mission which Sir Keir Starmer pursues with Churchillian resolve, it is the sacred quest to relinquish British territory in the Indian Ocean. No consideration of strategy or ethics – let alone poor bedraggled national interest – will be allowed to stand in the way.
Britain will sacrifice the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and pay an annual £90 million for the privilege. We will run all the risks of transferring sovereignty over the Anglo-American base on the largest island, Diego Garcia. And we will wrong the Chagos Islanders yet again.
Now that Donald Trump has approved the agreement – doubtless because America is determined to carry on operating the base regardless – this farcical diplomacy may be unstoppable. The real significance of this episode is what it discloses about the mentality of our rulers.
Remember that Lord Hermer, the Attorney General, said last year that Britain must not just obey international law but 'go further than simply meeting our obligations'. No court has ever ruled that Britain should relinquish the Chagos Islands; there is only a non-binding advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice to that effect.
Our Government is choosing to treat this as if it were binding. The consequence of Hermer-ism is that Britain will be the first country ever to sacrifice sovereign territory due to an advisory ICJ opinion.
Lord Hermer, filled with the absurd narcissism of post-colonial guilt, thinks the rest of the world will be suitably impressed. In fact, Britain will become a soft target for any former colony with a contrived grievance. Now all they need is a non-binding advisory opinion whereupon Lord Hermer will solemnly advise that we should give way.
Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Ex-ABC reporter fired over anti-Trump posts warns 'we will lose our democracy' after Padilla incident
Recently fired ABC News correspondent Terry Moran rallied the anti-Trump resistance in a Substack post on Friday, warning that democracy will end if people do not stand up to the current administration. "We will lose this democracy if we do not use our voices," Moran wrote. "What happened to Senator Padilla crystallizes the danger in this moment." Padilla, a Democratic senator from California, was forcibly removed from a news conference with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday after he approached Noem while she was speaking from the podium and attempted to shout over her. Law enforcement stopped Padilla's advance later pushing him to the ground and handcuffing him. Padilla had a private meeting with Noem after the event. The scuffle went viral and drew ire from Democrats, including Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., who condemned the incident as "unacceptable" from the Senate floor on Thursday. Ex-abc Reporter Terry Moran Immediately Moves To Substack After Abrupt Exit Moran, who was let go from ABC this week after penning a social media rant against President Donald Trump and White House aide Stephen Miller, shared a video of Murray's speech in his Substack post. Read On The Fox News App "This is what a democracy is about, Mr. President," Murray said in the video. "It's about us coming to the U.S. Senate, speaking out, asking questions, getting information so we can be their voice. What happens when that voice is stifled? What happens when that voice is thrown to the floor and handcuffed? Our democracy is lost." Moran hailed the senator's emotional plea and encouraged Americans to "stand up for what we know is right." "Senator Murray is right," he wrote. "In institution after institution, from the law firms to the universities to the Senate itself, and beyond the institutions into our everyday lives—force is being applied to your willingness to speak up and tell the truth about what you are seeing and experiencing," he wrote. Abc News' Terry Moran's History Of Attacking Trump Dates Back To First Term In 2017 "In the face of that danger, all of us, sooner or later, will have to make a choice," he urged, saying Americans could either pretend it wasn't happening, "cower before it," or speak out against it. "It's a dark time. But take heart," Moran said. "What a privilege it is to be alive and an American at this moment in our history! What a joy to be able to stand up for what we know is right and best about our beloved country. To lift our voices and tell the truth. And do it together." "Thank you, Senator Murray," his post concluded. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson told Fox News Digital, "Hasn't Terry Moran already embarrassed himself enough for this week? In addition to his unhinged, late-night, public meltdown, now he's spewing Democrat propaganda. I'm sure all five of his Substack readers will appreciate this dumb take." Moran, who had been at ABC since 1997, found himself in hot water this week after he wrote a scathing social media post early Sunday calling Trump and Miller "world-class haters." He deleted the post but was initially suspended by ABC over the incident. The network fired him on Tuesday, days before his contract with the network was set to expire. "We are at the end of our agreement with Terry Moran and based on his recent post – which was a clear violation of ABC News policies – we have made the decision to not renew," a spokesperson for ABC News previously told Fox News article source: Ex-ABC reporter fired over anti-Trump posts warns 'we will lose our democracy' after Padilla incident
San Francisco Chronicle
32 minutes ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Marines temporarily detain man while guarding LA federal building
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shortly after they began guarding a Los Angeles federal building Friday, U.S. Marines detained a man who had walked onto the property and did not immediately hear their commands to stop. The brief detention marked the first time federal troops have detained a civilian since they were deployed to the nation's second-largest city by President Donald Trump in response to protests over the administration's immigration arrests. The Marines were activated earlier this week but began their duties Friday. The man, Marcos Leao, was later released without charges and said the Marines were just doing their jobs. A U.S. Army North spokesperson said the troops have the authority to temporarily detain people under specific circumstances. He said those detentions end when the person can be transferred to 'appropriate civilian law enforcement personnel.' Leao's detention shows how the troops' deployment is putting them closer to carrying out law enforcement actions. Already, National Guard soldiers have been providing security on raids as Trump has promised as part of his immigration crackdown. Leao, a former Army combat engineer, said he was rushing to get to a Veterans Affairs appointment when he stepped past a piece of caution tape outside the federal building. He looked up to find a Marine sprinting toward him. 'I had my headphones in, so I didn't hear them,' Leao said. 'They told me to get down on the ground. I basically complied with everything they were saying.' Leao was placed in zip ties and held for more than two hours by the Marines and members of the National Guard, he said. After Los Angeles police arrived, he was released without charges, he said. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department said they responded to a call at the scene but weren't needed, and no charges were filed. 'I didn't know it was going to be this intense here," he said later. A U.S. official told the AP that a civilian had stepped over the line. He was warned they would take him down and they did, according to the official, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter. About 200 Marines out of the 700 deployed arrived in the city Friday, joining 2,000 members of the National Guard that have been stationed outside federal buildings this week in Los Angeles. Another 2,000 Guard members were notified of deployment earlier this week. Before the unusual deployment, the Pentagon scrambled to establish rules to guide U.S. Marines who could be faced with the rare and difficult prospect of using force against citizens on American soil. The forces have been trained in de-escalation, crowd control and standing rules for the use of force, the military has said. 'I believe that this is an inevitable precursor of things yet to come when you put troops with guns right next to civilians who are doing whatever they do,' said Gary Solis, a former Marine Corps prosecutor and military judge. He said it's an example of Trump's attempt to unravel the Posse Comitatus Act, which bars active-duty forces from conducting law enforcement. ___ Watson reported from San Diego, and Baldor from Washington. Amy Taxin in Orange County, California, contributed.
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Florida's Space Coast is clear choice for NASA HQ, Sen. Moody says in letter to Trump
The Brief Florida political leaders have sent a letter to President Donald Trump encouraging the relocation of NASA's headquarters from Washington, D.C. to Florida's Space Coast. NASA's lease is set to expire in 2028, and $500 million has been proposed for a new facility in the nation's capital. The Florida leaders argue relocating to the Sunshine State provides myriad benefits, including lower costs, less red tape, a world-class workforce, and private and public partners. CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Sen. Ashley Moody and every member of Florida's delegation have sent a letter to President Donald Trump encouraging his administration to consider relocating NASA's headquarters from Washington, D.C. to Florida's Space Coast. What we know Moody is sponsoring a new initiative called the "Consolidating Aerospace Programs Efficiently at Canaveral (CAPE Canaveral) Act"to try and relocate NASA's headquarters to Florida's Space Coast. In a recent letter, Moody and every member of Florida's delegation addressed the Trump administration, encouraging them to consider the relocation. They said the change is a "unique opportunity to reshape its (NASA's) future for the better." NASA's lease is set to expire in 2028, and $500 million has been proposed for a new facility in the nation's capital. The Florida political leaders say relocating to the Sunshine State provides myriad benefits, including lower costs, less red tape, a world-class workforce, and private and public partners. The political leaders said relocating to Florida would: Save taxpayer dollars: Florida's construction and utility costs are significantly lower than Washington's, eliminating the need for wasteful spending on a new D.C.-based HQ. Embed NASA within the space industry: SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and others already operate in Florida. NASA leadership must be where innovation happens. Enhance efficiency and streamline operations: A move to Florida will break NASA free from Washington's stagnation and refocus it on results-driven leadership. Leverage a world-class workforce: Florida boasts 140,000 aerospace workers and top-tier engineering programs that will fuel the next era of space exploration. Ensure global connectivity: Florida's major airports and seaports provide seamless access to Washington and beyond. Click to open this PDF in a new window. What they're saying The political leaders said relocating NASA's headquarters to Florida will cultivate a new age in American space achievement. "Washington's bureaucratic environment has hindered NASA's efficiency, while Florida is the undisputed leader in space operations," the letter says. "In 2024 alone, Florida hosted 93 launches—more than Communist China and Russia combined. Additionally, more-and-more splashdown operations are occurring at the Gulf of America, spurring more investments across Florida. With Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and a booming commercial space industry, Florida is the clear choice for NASA's new HQ." The political leaders also argued that America's leadership in space is not guaranteed. "China's space industry, technology and ambition is advancing rapidly, and we cannot afford complacency," they said. "Moving NASA headquarters to Florida will reduce costs, drive innovation and solidify America's dominance in space. We urge your administration to make this move a priority." By the numbers The Space Force has projected a total of 107 launches from Florida for the entirety of 2025. As of June 13, there have already been 50 orbital rocket launches from Florida's Space Coast this year. This pace is faster than the record set in 2024, when the 50th launch didn't occur until July 8. The Space Coast set a new record in 2024 with 93 launches from all providers. With SpaceX's continued pace, more launches from United Launch Alliance and the debut of Blue Origin's New Glenn, the Space Force believes it could support as many as 156 launches in 2025. Local perspective The Space Coast is a region in Florida around the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Florida's Space Coast, particularly Cape Canaveral, is an ideal location for rocket launches due to its eastward location, proximity to the equator and minimal risk to populated areas. The Florida Space Coast has a population of just over 568,000 people. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information gathered from previous reporting and information shared by Sen. Ashley Moody in a press release on June 11, 2025.
