Why has Britain decided to give up the Chagos Islands?

After some last-minute legal delays, the Chagos Islands treaty between the UK and Mauritius has been signed, and will almost certainly be implemented in the coming weeks.

- SEAN O'GRADY

The great controversies about the UK-US military base in this remote stretch of the Indian Ocean have passed most of Britain's population by, but for some the issue remains a matter of passionate concern, and the charge of "treason" has been lobbed at the prime minister. The arguments won't go away...

What happens next?

In the UK, there will have to be a parliamentary debate and approval within 21 (sitting) days of the signature, and given that the Commons is in recess again for a week, things won't be finalised for a while.

In the past, international agreements would be signed under the royal prerogative, thus averting the need for formal legislative approval. However, this is now required under the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010, and the provisions of the treaty ought to be enshrined in domestic law (including the Mauritius Independence Act 1968).

Given Labour's overwhelming majority, the treaty is bound to be ratified, but Priti Patel for the Conservatives, along with Reform UK, will put up a fight.

What difference will it make?

It will settle for at least a century the status of the Chagos Islands, including the base on Diego Garcia, and thus make the area safe from any further action under international law.

Why are we giving the Chagos Islands away anyway?