Nigel Farage has been accused of “performing Maga stunts” after claiming the British government prevented him from travelling to the Chagos Islands on a humanitarian mission.
Farage’s Attempted Trip and Accusations
The Reform UK leader stated he flew to the Maldives to join a delegation bringing aid to four Chagossians attempting to establish a settlement on one of the islands. This action is a protest against Britain’s plans to transfer control of the territory to Mauritius.
In a video posted on X on Saturday, Farage claimed the UK government pressured the Maldives to prevent him from reaching the Chagos Islands, which require a valid permit for entry. He stated, “The British government are applying pressure on the president and the government of the Maldives to do everything within their power to stop me getting on that boat and going to the Chagos Islands.”
Farage further claimed that if he were an Isis fighter crossing the Channel, he would be treated differently, stating they would “place me in a hotel, they’d give me three meals a day.” However, it is understood the UK government was not given advance notice of his travel plans and was unaware of his presence in the Maldives prior to his comments.
Farage reportedly travelled to the Maldives by private jet and spent just over a day there before returning to the UK for the Gorton and Denton byelection in Greater Manchester on Thursday. A Labour party source criticized the trip, noting Farage flew 5,000 miles on a $60m private jet while his candidate in the byelection received the endorsement of Tommy Robinson.
Broader Context and Reactions
Farage’s attempted trip follows recent doubts cast on the Chagos Islands deal by US President Donald Trump, who urged Keir Starmer not to “give away Diego Garcia,” the largest island and home to a joint UK-US military base. Government sources suggest Trump’s change of heart stems from the UK’s refusal to allow its airbases to be used for a potential US strike on Iran.
Former UK defence secretary Ben Wallace called Farage’s actions a “cheap stunt” and accused him of “performing Maga stunts,” citing the existing entry rules for the British Indian Ocean Territory. The UK Foreign Office website states the territory is not a tourist destination and access is restricted.
Farage stated he intended to travel to Île du Coin, where the Chagossian campaigners are attempting to establish a settlement. A spokesperson from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated their primary concern is ensuring the safe departure of individuals from an island deemed unsuitable for habitation due to potential health and weather risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the Chagos Islands?
Britain is planning to transfer control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, but this deal has been thrown into doubt by recent comments from US President Donald Trump.
Why were the Chagossians removed from the islands?
Up to 2,000 Chagossians were forcibly removed from the archipelago in the 1960s and 1970s to make way for a joint UK-US military base.
What was Nigel Farage attempting to do?
Nigel Farage said he intended to travel to the Chagos Islands with aid for four Chagossians attempting to establish a settlement to protest the transfer of control to Mauritius.
Given the ongoing dispute over the islands’ future and the involvement of multiple international actors, what role will the Chagossian people ultimately play in determining their own destiny?
