Reform UK would ‘rip up’ Chagos deal despite Trump ‘backing’ – ‘it’s treachery!’ | Politics | News

Reform UK’s deputy leader, Richard Tice, has slammed the Government’s potential Chagos deal after Donald Trump appeared to give it his backing.

Nigal Farage’s party, he added, would carry on fighting against the proposed arrangement, which would see the UK yield sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius.

Speaking exclusively to the Express in a cafe in Skegness in his Lincolnshire constituency this weekend, Mr Tice admitted Sir Keir Starmer had a “reasonable” visit to the White House on Thursday, but added he remains “anxious” that the Prime Minister is “continuing to pursue with this betrayal of Britain by giving away a very valuable and strategic interest”.

On the prospect of the UK giving up the archipelago, Mr Trump said in the Oval Office earlier this week: “We’re going to have some discussions about that very soon, and I have a feeling it’s going to work out very well.”

He added: “They’re talking about a very long-term, powerful lease, a very strong lease, about 140 years actually.

“That’s a long time, and I think we’ll be inclined to go along with your country.”

When asked if he were surprised at Mr Trump appearing to back Sir Keir’s plan, Mr Tice said: “Look, the reality is, as we understand, America’s got much bigger fish to fry.

“It’s worried about China. It’s worried about Ukraine. It’s worried about Russia, as we all are.

“Trump and his team are saying, ‘Well, hang on, so you dumb limeys are going to pay tens of billions of pounds to Mauritius.

“‘We’re going to get these islands for 140 years or more… So, it’s not our problem. It’s your problem, Britain.

“If you’re stupid enough to give away a freehold and pay someone else to take it, that’s your problem.’ That’s what I think they’re going through.”

Mr Farage’s right hand man then explained what his party would do if it formed the next government.

He said: “I think this is gross negligence. It’s complete betrayal. It’s treachery.

“It’s dangerous, and we’re absolutely furious. So, what I can tell your readers is that when Reform is elected, we’re going to rip up this deal.

“We’re not going to recognise it. We’re going to stop the payments.

“We’re going to stop direct flights to Mauritius. We’re going to stop visas to Mauritians.

“This is an invalid deal that is in breach of the original international treaty in the 1960s, when, let’s remember, Britain paid £3million to Mauritius as part of a deal to give up any potential future claims.

“Mauritius is in breach of that deal. It’s an outrage. We’ve got to stand up and say, ‘This is not happening.’”

When asked if he thought Mr Trump was fully informed about the deal, Reform’s deputy chief said: “He’s far too busy for that.

“And, I just repeat the point, from their perspective, it’s not their problem.”

The Chagos Islands deal would not go ahead without the backing of Mr Trump, the Foreign Sceretary, David Lammy, has said.

It is the “best deal” that could be struck, he added.