[Sephiroth]

I think that this topic merits a thread of its own.

The British press have cooked up a potential threat of the UK being sued by Mauritius for billions of GBP should the Chagos deal collapse.

"Amusing" in terms of Starmer that this prospect might be, the Agreement seems to me, at least, watertight against liability if the deal collapse. Highlighted text in the quotes are mine.

Agreement

between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago including Diego Garcia

London and Port Louis, 22 May 2025

[The Agreement is not in force]

Presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs by Command of His Majesty May 2025

ARTICLE 18

Entry into Force
This Agreement shall enter into force on the first day of the first month following the date of receipt of the later note by which the Parties notify each other that they have completed their respective internal requirements and procedures necessary for the entry into force of this Agreement, unless the Parties agree otherwise.

From the Letter proposing payment rules (from UK to Mauritius)

c. each annual payment for the first (1st) thirteen (13) years shall be in respect of a twelve (12) month period commencing from the date of the entry into force of the Agreement or its anniversary, as applicable;

https://assets.publishing.service.go...ego_Garcia.pdf

So, you can see that the Agreement is not in force and there is thus no legal basis for a claim against the UK (in my opinion, at least). It may be that Mauritius will see it differently and that an International Court could side with Mauritius because they hate the UK.

So - there's plenty of fun yet to be had.