The Makerfield MP could become the next Prime Minister by the end of the month
Watch the moment a Labour MP declares the Chagos deal the "right decision for our national security" amid plans by Andy Burnham to "press ahead' with the controversial agreement.
Speaking to GB News, Minister for Early Education and Equalities Olivia Bailey threw her support behind the surrender of the British territory to Mauritius.
Grilled by GB News host Christopher Hope for her verdict on Andy Burnham's Chagos stance, Ms Bailey said it was "right for our national security" to go ahead with the deal.
She said: "I'm not familiar with the reports that you're talking about there.
"I have not discussed the Chagos Islands with Andy Burnham, but I do know that the deal we've done is is right for our national security, and I think it's right that we've done it."
According to multiple sources, the Makerfield MP is preparing to complete the giveaway of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
The controversial deal, which was shelved by the Government in April, is expected to cost taxpayers around £35billion.
A spokesman for Andy Burnham told GB News that “absolutely no decisions have been taken” about his approach to the Chagos islands.
Looking ahead to the Nato summit, Ms Bailey was pressed on Labour's Defence Investment Plan and how Sir Keir will navigate any criticism of the Government's multi-billion black hole on the world stage.
Ms Bailey responded: "I think the first thing to say is that we agree with President Trump that Europe does need to step up and do more on defence.
"And that's one of the reasons why, with our Defence Investment Plan, the significant investment we've put in taking it from £54billion a year to £80billion a year, £300billion over the course of this Parliament on our armed forces, after the Conservatives left them shamefully hollowed out."
The Labour MP assured: "We are determined to reverse that, and, of course, the UK is the third biggest contributor on defence to Nato at the moment.
"So we agree, Europe needs to step up, we agree our armed forces need cash and our support, and it's vital that they are funded and ready for the challenges that we face in this very uncertain time."
Ms Bailey was also grilled by Christopher on Labour's failure so far to deport Rochdale grooming gang ringleader Shabir Ahmed, who was released from prison last week.
Asked if the Government would accept the amendment put forward by the Tories to help deport him back to Pakistan, Ms Bailey said the Government is "considering all ways" to have him removed.
She told GB News: "Let me be really clear. I want this vile individual out of our country and we are considering all ways to do that.
"We'll look at what the Conservatives have put forward, and we'll look at a range of different options because we want this guy out of our country. The crimes are appalling, sickening, reprehensible and we're looking at all options to make that happen."
Challenged on how the Government plans to respond if Pakistan refuses to accept Ahmed, she assured there are "lots of different options" on the table in No10.
She said: "Well, the Prime Minister has asked the Home Secretary to look at all options, diplomatic options, and we've seen other examples of perhaps looking at action on visas, as we did for example with Congo where they were refusing to take asylum seekers.
"So there are loads of different options on the table here. There's also legislative options, but I want to be really, really clear. I want this vile individual out of our country, and we will do whatever is necessary to make that happen."
