True cost of Chagos deal revealed for first time
Sir Keir Starmer has signed an agreement to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after a last-minute injunction to halt the move failed.
The deal will see the UK give up sovereignty of the island territory to Mauritius and pay £101 million per year for 99 years to lease the US-UK military base on Diego Garcia back from the government.
Thursday was the first time that the true cost of the deal – which Sir Keir said is vital for national security –was revealed.
It could result in a total sum of £10bn being carved out of the UK's defence budget, but Sir Keir said that is cheaper than the running cost of running an aircraft carrier.
Tory shadow defence minister Mark Francois said the deal is 'absolute madness' given recent cost-cutting measures by the Government.
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South Wales Argus
12 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Starmer describes free school meal expansion as ‘down payment' on child poverty
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Daily Record
18 minutes ago
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