Deal that will see UK hand over control of Chagos Islands to Mauritius will be signed today

A deal that will see the UK hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is set to be signed today. It is understood at Sir Keir Starmer will attend a virtual ceremony on Thursday morning, despite criticism from the Conservatives and Reform UK. The government has argued that international legal rulings in favour of Mauritius mean this handover is necessary. As part of the deal, the UK will lease back a military base on the archipelago for 99 years. Later, MPs will be updated on the terms of the deal in the Commons, which could include extending this…