Chagos Deal: Gavin Glover Discusses a Cautious but Confident Progress

Gavin Glover expresses both caution and confidence following the adoption of four amendments in the House of Lords regarding the Chagos Deal. Mauritian authorities are closely monitoring this crucial step towards recognizing their sovereignty over the islands.

As is his style, Attorney General Gavin Glover reacts with calmness and pragmatism to the review of the proposed amendments in the complex Chagos Deal. Out of the 50 amendments submitted by the Lords, only four were adopted, a result he considers more favorable than expected. Mauritian authorities are keeping a close eye on the developments of this process, which could have significant implications for the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands.

A key highlight of the debates was the rejection of the amendment proposing a referendum on the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands. This issue, central to the dispute between Mauritius and the United Kingdom, remains crucial. For Gavin Glover, this rejection is a relief, though it represents only a step in a legislative process that is far from complete. He emphasizes that, despite ongoing challenges, Mauritian authorities remain confident about the final outcome, even if it may be delayed.

The four amendments adopted by the House of Lords are characterized as procedural, primarily concerning the examination process of the bill, without directly affecting the sovereignty issue. Although the progress of the case is not as rapid as initially desired, the Attorney General aims to reassure.

"We thought there would be more amendments. This will indeed delay the process, but we believe we will still be on schedule before the end of the financial year," he stated.

He clarified that the initial disbursement of Rs 10 billion, expected between May and June 2026, according to the original timetable, remains on track. This projection, although slightly adjusted, remains realistic and reflects the willingness of Mauritian authorities to see this matter through.

Following the adoption of the amendments by the Lords, the bill will be sent to the House of Commons. According to Gavin Glover, there is a strong likelihood that the MPs, where Keir Starmer's Labour Party holds a majority, will reject the proposed amendments. Such a scenario could significantly reduce the influence of the House of Lords in the subsequent procedure.

"The ping-pong match is likely to be a mere ball return, and in the end, it will have little impact if the Labour Party retains its majority in the Commons," he explained.

This phase could lead to a temporary slowdown in the process before a more sustained resumption once the final decision is made by the lower house.

Despite the uncertainties, Gavin Glover remains optimistic about the upcoming deadlines. When asked about a possible trip to London, the Attorney General indicated that he does not plan to go there before the royal assent is granted by King Charles III, expected around February or March 2026. This step could mark a decisive turning point, paving the way for more direct and potentially favorable discussions for Mauritius.

The path remains fraught with obstacles, but the course is steady. For Mauritian authorities, the goal remains unchanged: to obtain recognition of Mauritius's sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, while patiently and diplomatically managing the intricacies of the British legislative process.