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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Politics
Rachael Burford

Chagos Islands deal delayed 'to avoid toxic backlash’ amid welfare cuts vote

The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) or Chagos Islands - (PA Media)

Controversial plans to hand the Chagos Islands over to Mauritius have reportedly been delayed amid fears of a “toxic" backlash over the cost of the deal as MPs are set to vote on sweeping welfare cuts.

The UK is set to give sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius and then pay to lease back the strategically important Diego Garcia military base, which is used by the US.

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