Labour 'need to get a grip' after Chagos betrayal

Surrendering the Chagos Islands is a financial and security disaster. But it is also an environmental betrayal. 

CEN MP Blake Stephenson

With the islands being handed over to China’s ally Mauritius, who will enforce the marine protected area (MPA) surrounding the islands and prevent the destructive Chinese fishing industry from pillaging this pristine habitat?

The UK used to safeguard the islands and their waters from such exploitation. But just like Labour’s kowtowing to China by allowing its new super-embassy, Mauritius will be more than happy to bend the knee when it comes to fishing.

But is that even the end of it? Chagos is not the only vital ocean habitat where our sovereignty could be questioned.

As we sat enjoying David Attenborough’s Blue Planet series, most of us were oblivious to the fact that much of its filming took place in protected areas surrounding Britain’s Overseas Territories.

One location was the unpopulated South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI). This British territory is home to 30 million pairs of seabirds, millions of seals, and vast penguin populations. And we protect them by stopping foreign fishing industries from raiding the fish, krill, and squid that these species rely upon.

Just like Chagos, British sovereignty over SGSSI is disputed. Argentina would be more than happy to take these islands off us, having invaded them during the Falklands War.

Will SGSSI ever be given to Argentina? I pray not. But Labour’s willingness to sacrifice vital marine habitats in the face of opposition to our sovereignty calls into question whether the government will actually stand up for precious British habitats. These pristine waters would be a gift for the Chinese fishing industry. Surrendering them would be disastrous for wildlife.

Labour is too often ashamed of our nation’s history and anything that hints of empire. They need to get a grip. The government must further our nation’s proud record of marine protection and ensure that future generations can appreciate the wondrous wildlife hidden in British waters.

First published by Daily Express. Blake Stephenson is the Conservative MP for Mid Bedfordshire.