Britain 'warned of Russian meddling in Chagos deal' as Putin officials 'whipped up support to return islands to Mauritius in bid to undermine the UK'

Britain was warned of Russian attempts to garner support among Mauritian politicians for a claim over the Chagos Islands, it has been revealed.

A source familiar with the discussions revealed that government ministers were informed of attempts by Vladimir Putin’s officials to undermine UK interests by supporting Mauritian claims to the Chagos Islands.

A former source from Whitehall informed The Telegraph that Russia is actively encouraging the argument for Mauritian sovereignty as a way to weaken the UK’s position.

But the source claimed Government officials have not taken the warnings seriously.

‘It is absolutely extraordinary that the Government has not taken two and two and made a very obvious four,’ they said.

In response, the UK’s Foreign Office acknowledged being well informed about the actions of malign actors regarding the Chagos deal, which were considered during the negotiation of the treaty.

Sir Keir Starmer is looking to handover control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius before Donald Trump returns as US president.

The deal would see the UK give up its claim to more than 60 islands, including Diego Garcia, where the military base is located, and also the surrounding ocean.

According to a source close to the discussions, government ministers were told Vladimir Putin 's officials attempted to 'undermine UK interests' by encouraging Mauritian claims to the Chagos Islands

According to a source close to the discussions, government ministers were told Vladimir Putin ‘s officials attempted to ‘undermine UK interests’ by encouraging Mauritian claims to the Chagos Islands

The Foreign Office said it was 'well aware' of the tactics made by 'malign actors' regarding the Chagos deal, but they were taken into consideration when the treaty was negotiated - pictured is PM Sir Keir Starmer

The Foreign Office said it was ‘well aware’ of the tactics made by ‘malign actors’ regarding the Chagos deal, but they were taken into consideration when the treaty was negotiated – pictured is PM Sir Keir Starmer 

The deal would see the UK give up its claim to more than 60 islands, including Diego Garcia, where the military base is located, and also the surrounding ocean

The deal would see the UK give up its claim to more than 60 islands, including Diego Garcia, where the military base is located, and also the surrounding ocean

Labour made the shock announcement in October that it was going to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, which has been a British overseas territory for more than 200 years.

As part of the arrangement, the Diego Garcia base will remain operational for at least 99 years.

But the president of Mauritius who agreed it, Pravind Jugnauth, was ousted in the election and the deal has yet to be officially signed.  

Serious doubt has been cast over the deal’s future following criticism of its terms by the new Mauritian prime minister and opposition from allies of Trump.

American support is crucial for the deal as there is a joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island in what is formally known as the British Indian Ocean Territory. 

Meanwhile, the newly-elected Prime Minister of Mauritius has ordered a review of the new agreement signed by his predecessor. 

Mr Ramgoolam and his allies accused the then-prime minister Pravind Jugnauth of ‘high treason’ and described the agreement as a ‘sell-out’ motivated by desperation.

Mr Ramgoolam said he ‘would like to have more time to study all the details of the agreement with a panel of legal advisers’ and has asked for an independent review of the confidential draft agreement with Britain.

The UK has argued the deal would safeguard Diego Garcia, but critics have questioned that argument.

The former head of MI6, Sir Richard Dearlove, said the Russian influence of the Chagos Islands handover ‘fits their playbook precisely’.

Newly-elected Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam met with Jonathan Powell, who is Labour's incoming national security adviser and the UK envoy behind the agreement

Newly-elected Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam met with Jonathan Powell, who is Labour’s incoming national security adviser and the UK envoy behind the agreement

Serious doubt has been cast over the deal's future following criticism of its terms by the new Mauritian prime minister and opposition from allies of Mr Trump

Serious doubt has been cast over the deal’s future following criticism of its terms by the new Mauritian prime minister and opposition from allies of Mr Trump

Meanwhile, Ed Arnold a senior research fellow for European security at RUSI, told The Telegraph: ‘ The worry is that this deal benefits China – so in this case it might be that the Kremlin is actually doing Beijing a favour by acting on their behalf.’

Former PM Boris Johnson this week claimed giving up sovereignty of the Chagos Islands was akin to ‘spectacularly shooting ourselves in the foot’.

‘It’s driven by pure Lefty politics and it’s a tragedy that Starmer has bought into this nonsense,’ he told a podcast.

‘I don’t know what the Trump administration will do with it now, but perhaps they will find a way of impeding it.’

Foreign Secretary David Lammy this week hit out at ‘politicking’ over Labour’s agreement to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

He insisted the sovereignty pact was a ‘very good deal’ as he played down claims it was on the verge of an embarrassing collapse.

Speaking to MPs on the House of Commons’ foreign affairs committee, Mr Lammy dismissed growing criticism of the agreement.

‘I’m very, very confident that this is a deal that the Mauritians will see, in a cross-party sense, as a good deal for them,’ the Foreign Secretary said.

You May Also Like

PM rejects suggestion to remove influential No10 official Morgan McSweeney following public criticism of welfare policies

THE PM’S powerful chief of staff Morgan McSweeney is “not going anywhere”…

Famous Celebrities Attend Extravagant Wedding Party for Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos in Wild Outfits, with Unusual Theme

Famous personalities such as Oprah Winfrey, Kendall Jenner, and Vittoria Ceretti were…

“In my memory forever: Terrifying incident when a tree fell as a seven-year-old girl screamed”

Residents in an Essex park crowded with families recounted the tragic incident…

Putin launches a massive attack with 500 missiles and drones in a chaotic night for Ukraine with Nato fighter jets responding quickly

VLADIMIR Putin has unleashed another night of hell over Ukraine with a…

Diddy Responds: State Prepares for Defense’s Final Statement

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team presented their case today, with lawyer Marc…

Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos Show Off Just-Married Smiles in Venice, Sans $10 Million Diamond Ring

The first public appearance of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez after their…

People addicted to drugs loitering in entrances, used needles scattered around, and an increase in drug sellers near the SNP’s drug consumption facility.

Slumped in a doorway surrounded by drugs paraphernalia an addict lies collapsed…

New Satellite Images Reveal Activity at Former Iranian Nuclear Site Bombed by US

New satellite photos have revealed that Iran is trying to piece together its…

Marilyn Monroe hinted at revealing shocking secrets about the Kennedys before her untimely death – was she killed to keep her quiet?

Jazz singer and pianist Buddy Greco is captivated by the stunning beauty…

Lily Allen happily shows off her legs in two stylish outfits with stylist Marco Capaldo at Glastonbury, following outing with actor James Norton.

Lily Allen appeared to be in good spirits as she stepped out with…

Trouble in Glastonbury: Drug dealers in the streets, pub employees selling tickets for sex, and rowdy troublemakers attempting break-ins

Residents of Glastonbury’s neighboring villages are expressing their frustration with the influx…

Investigation launched by authorities as punk band Bob Vylan incites Glastonbury crowd to chant ‘Death to the IDF!’ and ‘Free Palestine!’, government criticizes live broadcast on BBC.

Authorities are investigating the statements made by a punk band at their…