politics
UK Government Appeals Court Ruling Allowing Chagossian Settlement Near Diego Garcia
The government appeared in the Court of Appeal on July 16 seeking to reverse a March Supreme Court decision that backed Chagossians who settled on the islands 150 days ago. Misley Mandarin, the self-appointed Chagossian First Minister, criticized the move from Île du Coin.
Jul 16, 3:54 PM·1m read1 source
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The UK Government appeared in the Court of Appeal on July 16 seeking to overturn a March Supreme Court ruling that favored Chagossians who settled on the Peros Banhos atoll 150 days earlier. The settlers established a presence on Île du Coin, part of the atoll roughly 130 miles from the Diego Garcia military base.
Misley Mandarin, who describes himself as the Chagossian First Minister, spoke to GB News from the settlement and said the government's legal effort used taxpayer funds against British Overseas Territories citizens.
He called the approach appalling and said it showed hypocrisy given the Overseas Territories Minister's stated support for self-determination in the Falkland Islands. Mandarin stated that the group has no intention of interfering with national security.
He added that the government had argued resettlement would involve excessive cost, while it has agreed to spend £35 billion transferring territory to Mauritius.
The settlers have caught fish and octopuses and plan to remain, Mandarin said. He stated they are not leaving and are willing to have more Chagossians born on the islands.
