Chagos Islands Agreement: 'Will Only Proceed With US Support': UK Pulls Out Of Chagos Deal After Donald Trump's Criticism The UK government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has effectively shelved its proposed agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, citing the absence of formal US approval and growing tensions with Donald Trump. The deal, which aimed to resolve long-standing disputes over the islands’ status while maintaining the UK’s lease on the strategically vital Diego Garcia military base, has stalled as the UK faces mounting pressure to secure US backing. Officials confirmed that the agreement, signed in May 2025, will not proceed without explicit US support, marking a significant shift in the diplomatic landscape surrounding the islands. The decision follows Trump’s public criticism of the plan, which he labeled an “act of total weakness” and warned against “giving away Diego Garcia.” Despite earlier backing from the US State Department, the lack of formal confirmation from Washington has left the UK unable to advance the legislation required to finalize the agreement. A government spokesperson emphasized that the deal’s primary purpose—ensuring the long-term security of Diego Garcia—remains unchanged, but the absence of US endorsement has forced the UK to pause its efforts. The spokesperson stated, “Diego Garcia is a key strategic military asset for both the UK and the US. Ensuring its long-term operational security is and will continue to be our priority. It is the entire reason for the deal.” The proposed arrangement involved the UK paying approximately £101 million annually to lease the base, a critical component of its military presence in the Indian Ocean.#mauritius #uk #keir_starmer #diego_garcia #chagos_islands
UK Shelves Chagos Islands Deal Amid Trump Opposition Sir Keir Starmer has postponed his plan to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after worsening relations with Donald Trump led to the US failing to formally approve the agreement. The deal, which would hand control of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius, has been delayed due to the lack of a required exchange of letters from Washington, a legal prerequisite for the treaty to proceed. UK officials confirmed they have not received formal confirmation from the US, leaving the agreement in limbo. The Chagos Islands, officially known as the British Indian Ocean Territory, have been under British control since the early 19th century. The proposed deal would see the UK cede sovereignty to Mauritius in exchange for an annual £101m ($136m) lease payment for the US military base on Diego Garcia. A government spokesperson emphasized that Diego Garcia is a "key strategic military asset" for both the UK and the US, stating the agreement remains a priority for ensuring the base's long-term operational security. However, the UK has admitted it has run out of time to pass legislation before Parliament is prorogued in the coming weeks, and a new Chagos bill is not expected to appear in the King’s Speech in mid-May. Trump, who initially supported the agreement, has since criticized it as an "act of total weakness" and urged Starmer to abandon the plan. In early 2026, the former president posted on his Truth Social platform, accusing Starmer of "giving away Diego Garcia" and calling the deal a "blight on our great ally." These remarks have intensified scrutiny over the UK’s commitment to the agreement, which was signed in May 2025 and initially welcomed by the US.#mauritius #donald_trump #uk #diego_garcia #chagos_islands
