Sen. John Kennedy is urging the U.K. prime minister to reconsider a plan that surrenders control of a vital military installation. He argues that handing over the Chagos Islands could have serious consequences for the Western alliance.
Key Facts:
- Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., criticized U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer for agreeing to hand over the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean.
- The territory hosts a joint U.S.-U.K. naval base at Diego Garcia.
- A U.N.-backed ruling in 2019 disputed Britain’s claim to the islands.
- The current deal allows the base to remain under American and British control for 99 more years.
- Kennedy called the decision “bone deep down to the marrow stupid.”
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The Rest of The Story:
The Chagos Islands have long been part of Britain’s overseas territories, but the International Court of Justice ruled in 2019 that the U.K. should end its claim.
Despite doubts on both sides of the Atlantic, the British government announced plans to hand sovereignty to Mauritius while supposedly keeping the U.S.-U.K. base operational for nearly a century.
Sen. Kennedy made waves by telling Prime Minister Starmer to “put down the bong” during a Senate floor speech.
He later said he meant no disrespect, yet stood firm in calling this move a mistake that would eventually benefit China if the islands shifted further away from Western oversight.
Sen. John Kennedy tells Keir Starmer to put down the bong because he’s trying to give away UK’s and US’s military base in Mauritius to appease the United Nations. Only China benefits from this. pic.twitter.com/4KOSk3zLON
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) February 9, 2025
Commentary:
Kennedy’s concerns reflect a growing worry that Britain’s decision caters more to international pressure than to the security interests of its allies.
If the U.K. truly believes this handover will foster global goodwill, it risks weakening a strong defense partnership that has stood for decades.
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There is reason to fear that granting Mauritius ultimate sovereignty over Diego Garcia will create a foothold for adversarial powers.
Even with a 99-year arrangement, the mere signal of relinquishing full authority could encourage strategic competitors, such as China, to find new ways to exploit the situation.
This move appears to be a symbolic gesture that does little to protect the long-term stability of the Indian Ocean region.
Instead, it might embolden those who oppose the West, while eroding confidence in the U.K.’s commitment to strong defense ties.
If the U.K. continues what some see as a radical leftward drift, it may be necessary for the United States to weigh how securely the Western alliance can rely on a partner handing over critical positions.
National security cannot thrive on symbolic concessions that leave open doors for rivals.
The Bottom Line:
Sen. Kennedy believes giving up control of Diego Garcia undermines the U.S.-U.K. defense relationship.
Supporters worry it will weaken the Western alliance and serve the interests of rival nations.
This situation underscores the importance of careful decision-making when global security is at stake.
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