Starmer accused of defence spend ‘cover up’ in row over how £9bn Chagos deal is funded
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Keir Starmer accused of defence spending ‘coverup’
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing accusations of a "cover-up" over a defence spending increase after refusing to clarify whether it includes funds for handing over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
- The UK is negotiating a deal, estimated at £9 billion, to return control of the archipelago to Mauritius while leasing back the Diego Garcia airbase.
- Starmer announced a £6 billion annual defence spending increase, but avoided confirming if it covers the Chagos deal costs.
- Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch challenged Starmer on the funding source during Prime Minister's Questions, highlighting the government's lack of transparency.
- A Tory source alleges the increased defence spending is solely for leasing the Diego Garcia base, a claim denied by a government source.