Fears Andy Burnham set to push ahead with Keir Starmer’s £35billion Chagos surrender deal

Fears Andy Burnham set to push ahead with Keir Starmer’s £35billion Chagos surrender deal

By Matt • Breaking Brexit News • 6 July 2026

Andy Burnham is reportedly preparing to finalise Labour’s Chagos Islands handover, a deal expected to cost taxpayers £35billion.

This move follows Sir Keir Starmer’s initial proposal, which played a significant role in his premiership’s downfall. Sources indicate Burnham is heavily influenced by Starmer’s national security adviser, Jonathan Powell.

The Costly Handover Plan

The handover of the British Indian Ocean Territory is projected to burden taxpayers with approximately £35billion. This territory was previously dismissed by Jonathan Powell as “very tiny islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean where no one actually goes.”
Sources familiar with Mr Burnham’s thinking suggest Mr Powell, expected to retain his role under a Burnham premiership, is a key influence.

US President’s Strong Opposition

“I don’t know, I think I see that he was, I guess, the mayor of a town. I hear he’s extremely liberal, extremely, so that means he probably won’t open up the North Sea.”

— Donald Trump, US President

Donald Trump publicly criticised Sir Keir Starmer over the botched Chagos deal, withdrawing US support earlier this year. He also lashed out at Andy Burnham last month, questioning his background and liberal stance.

• Chagos Islands handover expected to cost £35billion.
• Andy Burnham reportedly influenced by Sir Keir Starmer’s adviser, Jonathan Powell.
• US President Donald Trump publicly withdrew support for the deal.
• Trump previously berated Sir Keir Starmer over the Chagos agreement.
• Burnham’s policy continuation risks derailing US relations.

What This Means for Britain

This £35billion expenditure is not abstract; it’s money that could secure your family’s future, bolster our NHS, or ease the burden of rising heating bills. This is a direct transfer of your hard-earned cash, not to improve British lives, but to surrender vital territory.
Economically, this colossal sum represents a direct hit to the national purse, diverting funds from essential services and investment into a controversial giveaway. It signals a disregard for fiscal responsibility at a time when families struggle with the cost of living.
Politically, this move demonstrates a continuation of a pattern where Labour leaders prioritise ideological gestures over national interest and strategic defence. It highlights a potential leadership beholden to advisors who dismiss critical British assets.
The stakes are clear: a continuation of policies that weaken Britain’s global standing and drain its finances. Your silence allows this to happen.

Demand answers from your MP. This must be seen by every British voter.

Tags: Andy Burnham, Chagos Islands, Keir Starmer, National Security, Taxpayer Burden

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p style=”font-size:0.85em;color:#666;border-top:1px solid #eee;padding-top:8px;margin-top:24px;”>Source: GB News | Breaking Brexit News