Exiles find hope in Corbyn

The election of Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader could hasten the return of the devoutly Catholic Chagossian people to their homeland in the Indian Ocean, writes Joanna Moorhead.

Mr Corbyn has for more than 20 years been the main parliamentary champion of the rights of the Chagossians, who were forced out of Diego Garcia when it was handed to the US by the UK in 1966 to use for military purposes. “His election is a major development. We feel we are edging towards a return, and he will now be able to be a lot more influential on our behalf,” said Chagossian spokesperson Stefan Donnelly. He said the return of the community, who are mostly based in West Sussex, could take place within months as accommodation exists on the island.