Concern in Downing Street over Chagos Islands handover deal

Senior figures have reservations over agreement to cede sovereignty over islands to Mauritius, Labour sources say

Senior Downing Street figures have concerns about the government's deal to cede sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, Labour sources have told the Guardian.

Ministers are under fire over an agreement to hand control of the islands, including Diego Garcia, which houses a joint US-UK airbase, to Mauritius. Under the terms of the deal, the base would remain under UK control on a 99-year lease.