UPDATE: New letters have surfaced revealing shocking hypocrisy from MP Andrew Rosindell, who recently defected to Reform UK amid accusations of a flip-flop on his stance regarding the Chagos Islands. These documents expose his earlier calls for the UK to relinquish control of the islands, contradicting his current vehement opposition to the government’s recent agreement to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius.
The letters, obtained by The Mirror, show that in July 2021, Rosindell warned then-Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab that the UK’s failure to act on the Chagos Islands was damaging Britain’s credibility. This revelation follows his earlier correspondence with Joe Biden in January 2020, where he urged the US to assist in “decolonising” the territory. Rosindell’s recent statements denouncing the Tory government’s negotiations with Mauritius as a “total betrayal” stand in stark contrast to his past advocacy for a similar arrangement.
In a letter penned as chairman of the Chagos Islands All Party Parliamentary Group, Rosindell emphasized the necessity of respecting a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which asserted Britain’s obligation to grant self-determination to the Chagossians. He noted, “An overall settlement, which respects the will of the international community, is the only way to resolve these historical issues.”
This latest controversy escalates as Rosindell’s transition to Reform UK highlights deeper ideological conflicts within British politics. The Labour Party has accused him of “rewriting history,” pointing to how he previously pushed for the same concessions he now condemns. Labour MP Luke Charters criticized Rosindell’s hypocrisy, stating, “Opposition to the government’s deal might land differently if they weren’t coming from a party whose newest MP personally spent years advocating for this exact outcome.”
The UK has committed to transferring the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, a move that has sparked fierce debate. The deal, signed in May 2023, permits the UK to lease back the strategically important Diego Garcia island, where a military base is located, for a period of 99 years. Critics argue that Rosindell’s current stance jeopardizes national security, while he insists that the base’s operations would remain unaffected by Mauritian sovereignty.
Rosindell’s previous letters also reflect a broader sentiment within the UK government regarding the Chagos Islands. He stated that US interests would not be threatened by Mauritian sovereignty and expressed hope for a productive dialogue at the APPG’s next meeting in October 2023.
The fallout from these revelations will likely reverberate through British politics as both the Tory government and Reform UK face scrutiny over their positions on national security and historical accountability. As this situation develops, observers are keen to see how Rosindell will navigate these accusations and whether his party will continue to support his controversial views.
The Mirror has reached out to Rosindell for comment, while a spokesperson for Reform UK defended his long-standing commitment to the Chagossian cause, asserting that he has consistently advocated for the people’s right to return.
Readers are encouraged to share this urgent update as the political landscape continues to shift dramatically. Stay tuned for more developments on this breaking story.
