Nigel Farage issued a fresh warning over the Chagos Islands deal ahead of its latest Commons hurdle today. The Reform UK leader raised fears over whether the agreement to cede sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius would be "selling us out to China".

He said: "Monday is the third reading of the bill to hand the British sovereign territory of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. China has built a smart city right next door to Port Louis. Huawei safe city cameras are being installed all over the island and now China is negotiating a lease on Peros Banhos, the island close to Diego Garcia.

"Is Jonathan Powell selling us out to China? What will the Americans say when they realise their military base is no longer secure?"

It comes as the Chagos Bill returns to the Commons this afternoon for its remaining stages. Mr Farage's comments are the latest backlash over the Government's plans to hand over the Chagos Islands then pay to lease back the UK/US Diego Garcia military base.

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