A Chagossian leader expressed more trust in Donald Trump than in the British Prime Minister regarding the future of the Chagos Islands and criticized the UK government's handling of the territory.
He questioned the sudden claim of ownership by Mauritius after centuries, emphasizing the strategic importance of the islands and signaling that Prime Minister Keir Starmer should re-examine the decision.
I don't support it. I think it's terrible. It was a terrible deal. They all of a sudden say they have ownership. Somebody has ownership that never showed up before after decades and centuries. I think it's ridiculous.
Vanessa Collee, a Chagossian leader, expressed an unexpected preference for Donald Trump's commitment to the Chagos Islands over that of the current British Prime Minister.
She argued that the UK government is failing to protect British people and their heritage, specifically regarding the Chagossian homeland.
Collee reiterated the desire of Chagossians to return home as British citizens and emphasized the importance of maintaining the strategic UK-US military relationship on the islands.
Vanessa Collee cited an 8 December 2025 ruling by the UN Race Discrimination Committee, which advised the UK and Mauritius to suspend negotiations on the Chagos Islands until the Chagossians give their explicit consent.
She argued that the UK government selectively uses UN rulings to justify its actions while ignoring those that contradict its position and called for an official declaration that the Chagos deal is dead, asserting that self-determination for British Chagossians is essential.
Vanessa Calou highlighted the presence of six Chagossians currently residing on the outer atoll, emphasizing their continued connection to the islands.
She stressed the need for the British government to officially recognize the 'first minister' on the island, with the ultimate goal of establishing self-determination and securing the right for Chagossians to live there as British citizens.
Despite this, an English court previously found that the Foreign Office lawfully failed to consult with the Chagossian people, while Calou maintained that the island is part of British heritage and its sovereignty should not be relinquished.
Calou expressed frustration over the disparity in support, citing the experience of 31 Chagossian families who arrived at Manchester Airport.
She claimed these families, holding British passports, are fleeing poor treatment in Mauritius and questioned why they do not receive the same help and respect as illegal immigrants, especially amidst a housing crisis, urging the government to prioritize British citizens.
With national security sensitivities at the forefront, Ben Wallace highlighted that the Chagos deal remains under government review and requires President Trump's approval before further negotiations.
He highlighted the critical national security sensitivities involved, emphasizing that the focus is on achieving long-term stability and security for vital assets shared by the UK and the US, while also addressing US concerns in collaboration with the Mauritian government.
Answers come from the transcript, with the exact spot cited.
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