UPDATE: New revelations expose hypocrisy surrounding MP Andrew Rosindell as he faces intense scrutiny over his recent defection to Reform UK. A letter from 2021 has surfaced, revealing Rosindell’s demand for the UK to relinquish control of the Chagos Islands, contradicting his current opposition to negotiations with Mauritius.
Just days after announcing his switch to Reform, Rosindell criticized the UK Government’s agreement to return the islands to Mauritius, labeling it a “total betrayal” of national security. However, the newly unveiled letter to former Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab indicates that he previously advocated for a similar course of action, urging respect for a decision by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the islands’ sovereignty.
The letter, dated July 2021, states, “The group believes that an overall settlement… is the only way to resolve these historical issues which remain a millstone round the neck of British diplomacy.” Rosindell expressed hope for “significant progress” toward this goal at the All Party Parliamentary Group’s meeting scheduled for October.
In another letter to President-elect Joe Biden in January 2020, he urged the US to assist in “decolonizing” the territory, highlighting a stark contrast in his current public stance. Following the revelation of this correspondence, former Tory MP Sir Simon Clarke remarked, “This should be an unbelievable story. Sadly, it’s clearly true.”
Labour officials have condemned Rosindell’s actions as a blatant “rewriting of history.” They accuse him of hypocrisy, questioning how he can oppose the government’s deal while having previously lobbied for the same outcome he now criticizes.
Labour MP Luke Charters stated, “Opposition to the government’s deal might land differently if they weren’t coming from a party whose newest MP personally spent years advocating for this exact outcome.” He emphasized the contradiction in Rosindell’s position as both a proponent and opponent of the Chagos Islands deal.
The UK’s agreement to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, finalized in May, marks a significant shift after nearly two centuries of British rule. The deal includes a 99-year lease back of the island of Diego Garcia, which houses a crucial UK-US military base. Rosindell’s earlier assurance to Biden that US security interests would not be threatened by Mauritian sovereignty further complicates his current narrative.
Responding to the backlash, a spokesman for Reform UK defended Rosindell, stating, “His support for the self-determination of the Chagossian people has been consistent and well evidenced throughout the past 25 years in parliament.” They highlighted his belief that the Chagossians should have a vote on their sovereignty.
As the political fallout continues, the Labour Party is poised to challenge Rosindell’s credibility and the broader implications of his defection to Reform UK. The situation remains dynamic, with public and political reactions expected to escalate in the coming days.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
