On Wednesday, Labour traded away another key part of Britain’s standing in the world. By giving away sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, this government has weakened Britain’s position in the Indo-Pacific at a time when we need strength to counter the rising threat of China.

This decision also highlights their lack of conviction and leadership in safeguarding our national security. This short-sighted move betrays our allies and the UK citizens of the Chagos Islands. It’s deeply disappointing that the Foreign Secretary is intent on repeating past mistakes.

Tony Blair rightly warned that Britain must not lose any more territory, yet this decision proves Labour hasn’t changed since Corbyn – still prioritising foreign dictators over Britain’s security. This shameful retreat should never have begun.

The Boris Johnson government blocked it before the FCDO finally agreed to talks in November 2022. Only when Lord Cameron took over were they dropped as he understood the strategic risk.

This is the same as before: ministers who fail to challenge and interrogate advice, instead blindly following Foreign Office guidance – a pattern that has started again under David Lammy and this Labour government.

David Lammy sees climate change as a greater threat than China or Russia. He doesn’t understand the importance of standing up for the freedoms and basic principles that underpin our democracy.

When these talks started in 2022, I called them out because they undermined our national security. Keir Starmer lacks leadership, cannot protect our national security, and clearly fails to serve the British public’s interests at home or abroad.

Announcing this deal during recess, without allowing MPs to voice their constituents’ concerns, is unacceptable. With war returning to Europe, Iranian bombs raining down on Israel, and China’s influence spreading, the world is becoming more dangerous.

Yet Labour responds by conceding ground to China, cutting back arms to Israel, and restricting Ukraine’s ability to strike back by limiting Storm Shadow missiles.

This cannot continue. Britain deserves better.

We need real leadership, not five more years of failure under David Lammy. British citizens deserve to feel safe, with a leader who acts decisively and always puts Britain first.