Why did the government sign the Chagos deal now?

The UK government has decided to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, a move critics argue undermines UK security by relinquishing a strategic foothold in the Indian Ocean. The decision stems from legal pressures related to the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, where ministers fear that failing to comply with international rulings could render the base inoperable. Additionally, the government aims to prevent potential foreign military presence in the islands, particularly from China, while addressing accusations of hypocrisy regarding international law adherence.