The future of the Chagos Islands hangs in the balance as world leaders debate how really owns the islands and who should be allowed to live there. Since the 1970s, the evicted Chagossian people have been using legal channels to fight their expulsion from their Indian Ocean homes, challenging Britain's claim to its last colony. Led by Olivier Bancoult, a Chagossian activist expelled from Peros Banhos in the 1960s, hundreds of people have been campaigning to be granted the right to return to their land.

Despite winning their case in October 2024, the election of US President Donald Trump has thrown the status of the Chagos Islands again into jeopardy. So, as the weeks roll on since Trump's inauguration, the Chagossian people are asking: when will Britain let us go home?

Listen as William and Anita are once again joined by barrister, writer and academic, Philippe Sands, to discuss the uncertain future of the Chagos Islands.

 _____________

Empire Club: Become a member of the Empire Club to receive early access to miniseries, ad-free listening, early access to live show tickets, bonus episodes, book discounts, and a weekly newsletter! Head to empirepoduk.com to sign up.

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @empirepoduk 

Blue Sky: @empirepoduk 

X: @empirepoduk

goalhanger.com

Assistant Producer: Becki Hills

Producer: Anouska Lewis

Senior Producer: Callum Hill

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices