Today in Focus Why giving up the Chagos Islands could cost Britain £9bn
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Feb 12, 2025 
Eleni Courea, a political correspondent for The Guardian, uncovers the complexities of the UK’s sovereignty deal concerning the Chagos Islands and the division within the Labour party. Olivier Bancoult, a passionate Chagossian campaigner forcibly removed from the islands, shares his hopes for returning home. They discuss the historical injustices of the 1960s, the emotional significance of the deal for exiled Chagossians, and the geopolitical stakes involved, including the shadow of American interests and China's influence in the Indian Ocean.
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Olivier Bancoult's Story
- Olivier Bancoult, born in the Chagos Islands, was forced to leave at age four.
- He has campaigned for decades to return to his birthplace, Peros Banos.
UK Control and Displacement
- The UK kept control of the Chagos Islands after Mauritius gained independence to establish a military base.
- This base, located on Diego Garcia, led to the forced displacement of the Chagossian population.
Deal Details
- The proposed deal grants Mauritius sovereignty, but the UK retains control of Diego Garcia for 99 years.
- The UK will pay billions to Mauritius, but the exact amount remains undisclosed.