Empire 230. Britain’s Last Colony: Trump, Brexit, and Russia-Ukraine (Ep 2)
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Feb 18, 2025 Join Philippe Sands, an expert in international law and human rights, as he delves into the plight of the Chagossian people. He discusses the struggles for sovereignty over the Chagos Islands and the effect of global shifts, particularly post-Brexit. The emotional narratives highlight the fight of Olivier Bancoult and the community's quest to return to their homeland. With recent legal victories overshadowed by political uncertainty under Trump, the future of the islands remains precarious, raising urgent questions about justice and identity.
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Chagossians in Crawley
- Chagossians were flown to Gatwick Airport and abandoned with no place to go.
- They ended up in Crawley, leading to a strong Chagossian community there.
Legal Battles and 9/11
- The Chagossians' legal battles for return started in the English courts, led by Olivier Bancoult.
- These were largely successful until Tony Blair's government reversed the decision after 9/11.
Diego Garcia's Legal Status
- The US has free use of Diego Garcia but needs British approval for operational missions.
- The base's legal standing is based on executive agreements, bypassing parliamentary scrutiny.
