Did you know that West Sussex has the highest density of horticultural growers in the whole of the UK? Or that the horticulture sector contributes over £5 billion annually to the economy and supports tens of thousands of jobs, from crop production and landscaping to retail and research? Locally we benefit from mild weather, long daylight hours, and fertile soil, whilst making proximity to the south coast helps to moderate temperatures and extend the growing season. Every year, the Chelsea Flower Show offers British gardeners and horticulturalists an opportunity to demonstrate their creativity and expertise. I was fortunate enough to attend this year’s showcase and visit many growers with local links including Architectural Plants of Pulborough who were also visited by King Charles III. The event takes place in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea which was founded by King Charles II in 1682 as a retirement and nursing home for British Army veterans. The hospital still serves its original purpose today and is home to around 300 retired soldiers.
That military legacy – often served protecting foreign lands – is just one reason why I am appalled by Keir Starmer’s sell out of the Chagos Islands. From my time in government, I am aware of the sensitive security and defence assets on the UK and US base at Diego Garcia which his deal has placed at risk. Mauritius never held sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago. They are further away from Mauritius than Berlin is from London. The islands were uninhabited until the 18th century when French traders set up plantations with slaves. The islands and slaves were freed by the British and have remained British since. And this grubby deal is an enormous betrayal of the Chagossians themselves – many who live around West Sussex - whose prospect of independence and return is now over. UK sovereignty should not be dictated by non-binding international opinions, and I worry this sets a precedent for other territories such as Gibraltar or the Falklands.
