Chagos Islands: UN officially demands Britain and US withdraw from Indian Ocean archipelago. / General assembly expected to vote in favour of UK ceding control of Indian Ocean archipelago – site of major US airbase – to Mauritius

Britain is bracing for a crushing defeat at the United Nations on Wednesday when the General Assembly is expected to adopt a measure demanding that London cede the British-ruled Chagos islands, home to an important military base.

Judges advise Britain that separating archipelago from Mauritius in 1960s was wrong.

Mauritius supported by 94 nations in move to consult The Hague over colonial hold of Indian Ocean territory by British.