The UK has reassured the Falkland Islands that its commitment to their sovereignty remains “unwavering” following a historic deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This message was delivered by Falkland Islands Governor Alison Blake, aiming to ease concerns that the agreement may set a precedent affecting other British Overseas Territories. Blake emphasized that the legal and historical contexts of the two territories are vastly different.

The deal, which concludes decades of negotiations, will see the UK relinquish ownership of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius. Despite the significance of the move, Governor Blake was quick to assure Falkland Islanders that the situation involving the Chagos Islands is unique. She stated that UK ministers have consistently ensured that no agreements would jeopardize the sovereignty of other territories, including the Falklands, which remain a strategically important group of islands in the South Atlantic.

In her message to Falkland residents, Governor Blake reiterated the UK’s ongoing commitment to defending the islanders’ right to self-determination. “The legal and historical contexts of the Chagos Archipelago and the Falkland Islands are very different,” Blake said, reaffirming that the UK government will continue to defend the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands. She added that the UK’s dedication to protecting its Overseas Territories remains strong and unchanged.

The Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory, have long been a point of contention between the UK and Argentina. Argentina has claimed sovereignty over the islands since the 1800s and launched an invasion in 1982, sparking a brief but bitter war. British forces regained control after 74 days of fighting, but Argentina continues to assert its claims. The recent Chagos Islands agreement has raised concerns about the potential implications for other territories, but the UK insists the Falklands’ status is not up for negotiation.

The Chagos deal, which includes the atoll of Diego Garcia—a key US military base—marks an important moment in UK-Mauritius relations. The treaty aims to address historical wrongs and support the welfare of the displaced Chagossians, as highlighted in a joint statement by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth. However, the UK has made it clear that the transfer of sovereignty in this case does not signal any change in its stance on other territories, particularly the Falklands.