UK politics live: Keir Starmer defends Chagos Islands return as Argentina demands Falklands back

Keir Starmer says under the Chagos Islands deal the US-UK Diego Garcia base is secure

Minister says accepting freebies is different in government

On the second day of the row over the Chagos Islands, Sir Keir Starmer has defended the government’s decision to hand over the territory to Mauritius.

During a speech today at a glassmaking factory, the prime minister claimed the UK-Mauritius deal ensures continued security of the US-UK Diego Garcia military base.

Labour has been under fire following the deal to return the territory in exchange for a 99-year lease on the crucial base.

Argentina quickly capitalised on the decision, vowing to secure “full sovereignty” over the Falklands, with foreign minister Diana Mondino hailing the Chagos deal a victory and promising to take “concrete action” on the disputed territory next.

The geopolitical fallout followed the prime minister to Cheshire, where Labour ministers pledged nearly £22 billion to develop carbon capture projects in Merseyside and Teesside.

Sir Keir promised workers that the new investment would create thousands of jobs and attract private investment while helping the UK meet its net zero targets.

He described today’s investment announcement as a demonstration of “the politics of renewal in action” and declared the new political divide between Labour and the Tories is ‘investment or decline’.

Key Points

• PM defends Chagos Islands handover after backlash
• Starmer hails carbon capture is ‘national renewal in action’
• Argentina says it will take ‘full sovereignty’ of Falklands after Chagos Islands return
• UK envoy rejects ‘hooey’ claims of Chinese base in Chagos
• Diego Garcia blame game deepens as Liz Truss hits out at Boris Johnson for island ‘surrender’

[4 October 2024 08:02 · Salma Ouaguira]

Ministers pledge £22bn for carbon capture in net zero push

The government has committed nearly £22 billion to accelerate carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, a crucial part of its net zero strategy.

In a bid to meet stringent climate targets, ministers will invest up to £21.7 billion over 25 years, funding CCS projects in Teesside and Merseyside - two key industrial hubs.

Labour announced that subsidies will begin in 2028 aiming to drive private investment and create jobs in these regions.

The party has promised the initiative will generate £8 billion in private investment, create 4,000 direct jobs, and support 50,000 more, solidifying these regions as carbon capture “clusters”.

Sir Keir Starmer framed the announcement as a turning point for the UK’s industrial heartlands.

The prime minister said: “For the past 14 years, business has been second-guessing a dysfunctional government – which has set us back and caused an economic slump.

“Today’s announcement will give industry the certainty it needs – committing to 25 years of funding in this ground-breaking technology – to help deliver jobs, kickstart growth, and repair this country once and for all.”

(PA Archive)

[4 October 2024 07:42 · Salma Ouaguira]

Argentina says it will take ‘full sovereignty’ of Falklands after Chagos Islands return

Argentina has vowed to gain “full sovereignty” of the Falkland Islands after the UK gave up control of a remote archipelago.

The country’s foreign minister, Diana Mondino, welcomed the step taken by Sir Keir Starmer’s Government on Thursday towards ending “outdated practices” after Britain returned the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.

She promised “concrete action” to ensure that the Falklands – the British-controlled archipelago that Argentina calls the Malvinas and claims as its own – are handed to Buenos Aires.

You can read the full story below:

[4 October 2024 07:39 · Salma Ouaguira]

Good morning

Welcome back to the politics blog.

The government is poised to announce deals for two major carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects in Merseyside and Teesside as ministers push to meet increasingly stringent climate targets.

Labour claims these initiatives are set to create 4,000 direct jobs, with an additional 50,000 supported in the long term, a crucial boost for the North’s green economy.

Over the next 25 years, the government has pledged up to £21.7 billion in subsidies to support the development of these “clusters” with funding for both sites expected to begin from 2028.

In what will be a high-profile visit to the North West today, Sir Keir Starmer, alongside chancellor Rachel Reeves and energy secretary Ed Milliband will formally confirm this substantial investment.

We will be keeping a close eye on the PM’s comments during the visit, and you can expect full coverage here on the politics blog.

In other news, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey is campaigning today for increased support for unpaid carers, a cause he has long championed. The Lib Dems are advocating for a £20 weekly increase to the Carer’s Allowance, raising it from £81.90 to £101.90.

Stay tuned for the latest developments in British politics today.

[4 October 2024 07:20 · Salma Ouaguira]

EXCLUSIVE | Diego Garcia blame game deepens as Liz Truss hits out at Boris Johnson for island ‘surrender’

Former prime minister Liz Truss has hit back at claims that she was responsible for the UK losing the crucial Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean and claimed it was Boris Johnson’s fault.

An extraordinary row broke out yesterday when Keir Starmer’s government announced it was handing the islands to Muritius in a deal which guarantees the UK military air base on Muritius for at least 99 years.

Our political editor David Maddox has the full exclusive below: