Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) has written an op-ed in The Telegraph, expressing concern over the United Kingdom’s plan to transfer the Chagos Islands, including the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia, to Mauritius. Kennedy argues that this move could threaten both countries’ security interests.
Kennedy wrote, “The American people regularly list the United Kingdom as our closest ally, and for good reason. We don’t just talk about being allies; we actively work together to protect each other’s interests.”
He continued, “That’s why the United Kingdom’s possible transfer of the Chagos Archipelago, including the joint US-UK military base on the island of Diego Garcia, to Mauritius is so deeply concerning. Any deal that [jeopardizes] the security of Diego Garcia would not only threaten our shared military installation, but it would also undermine the very idea that the United Kingdom is the type of friend Americans can trust to have our backs, and vice versa.”
Kennedy added, “The United Kingdom cannot cede the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius without handing the keys of Diego Garcia to the Chinese Communist Party.”
He further stated, “At a time when our adversaries in Russia, China, and Iran are testing the true strength of our military alliances, we cannot allow a United Nations smear campaign against the British people and their territories become yet another fissure in the special relationship that Americans and Britons share.
“Fortunately, the United Kingdom has time to work with the Trump administration to halt this deal and ensure that the Chagos Archipelago remains a British territory. The Prime Minister can remind the American people why they have so much faith in our British allies by standing strong against the United Nations and protecting our shared national security interests on Diego Garcia.”
Senator Kennedy represents Louisiana in the U.S. Senate and operates offices across Louisiana to support constituents and handle federal matters. He leads initiatives related to veterans, farmers, small businesses and national security while engaging residents through public events and newsletters according to his official website. Kennedy also chairs the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs and serves on committees covering appropriations, budget and energy issues.
