The Labour Party remains committed to transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius despite previous setbacks, Attorney General Lord Hermer said Tuesday. The controversial treaty, which would hand over control of the British Indian Ocean Territory while retaining a 99-year lease on the strategic Diego Garcia military base for joint UK-US use, was paused in April after then-US President Donald Trump withdrew his support, calling the move an “act of total weakness.”

Lord Hermer told the Commons Justice Select Committee that the government intends to revive and finalize the agreement “in the coming weeks and months,” emphasizing that the treaty aligns with Britain’s national interests. The proposed deal would see the UK cede sovereignty of the archipelago in exchange for a £35 billion arrangement to maintain the base, which plays a critical role in US and UK military operations.

However, the proposal has faced considerable criticism across the political spectrum. Opponents have described the plan as a “surrender” and “absolute betrayal,” warning it could jeopardize UK strategic interests and security commitments. There are also concerns that the transfer could facilitate Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean, given Mauritius’s growing ties to Beijing.

The future of the treaty remains uncertain, particularly with upcoming changes in Labour leadership. It is unclear whether Keir Starmer’s successor will uphold the party’s current stance on the handover. The issue continues to generate debate over the balance between diplomatic relations, military strategy, and national sovereignty in a geopolitically sensitive region.