Speaking to the press, Streeting asserted that any deal to hand over the Chagos archipelago – long held by Britain – must have the United States’ blessing, describing the requirement as a “non‑negotiable” security condition.
He highlighted the importance of the US‑run Diego Garcia base, saying it provides “national and collective security” for both the United Kingdom and the United States and must be safeguarded now and in the longer term.
Streeting dismissed the idea of ceding the islands to Mauritius as “crazy”, noting that Mauritius has never owned the territory and that the British public would be asked to foot a £35 billion price tag for the privilege.
He warned against what he called an “ostrich strategy” of ignoring the issue, urging that the sensitivity of the security asset be taken seriously rather than hoped away.