UK shelves Chagos deal after Trump opposition
UK Halts Chagos Agreement Amid Tensions with Trump
The UK government has paused its plan to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, citing escalating disagreements with President Donald Trump. The US had not provided official endorsement for the treaty, prompting Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to delay its formalization. Earlier, Trump had supported the deal but later criticized it as a sign of “total weakness” in January. Officials state that while the agreement is not entirely abandoned, legislative passage before Parliament dissolves in weeks is unlikely. A revised bill is expected to be omitted from the King’s Speech in mid-May.
Deal Overview and Key Terms
The Chagos Islands, known as the British Indian Ocean Territory, have been under British control since the 19th century. The proposed deal would grant Mauritius sovereignty over the archipelago while allowing the UK to lease Diego Garcia, the largest island, to the US military for £101 million annually. A spokesperson emphasized that the UK remains committed to securing Diego Garcia’s strategic importance, stating it is “essential to safeguard the base’s operational security.” The agreement was initially signed in May 2025 and endorsed by the US, but Trump’s recent stance has cast doubt on its future.
Political Backing and Criticism
Despite Trump’s reversal, the UK had been finalizing legislation to legally bind the deal. However, the process stalled after officials noted the lack of US formal approval. In February, Trump’s public criticism on Truth Social intensified concerns, even though the State Department had backed the plan just days prior. The comments were seen as a betrayal by Chagossians, who advocate for the UK to retain control to enable their return to the islands. Both the Conservatives and Reform UK expressed approval for the deal’s suspension, with Kemi Badenoch accusing Labour of prioritizing international agreements over national interests.
“If Keir Starmer’s Chagos surrender now finds its rightful place – on the ash heap of history – it will be because Conservatives led the fight against it from day one.”
“This is great news and long overdue. Now the government must right a terrible wrong and help the Chagossians to fully resettle their home.”
“The handling of the Chagos deal has been totally shambolic – from its start under the Tories to this point under Labour.”
Liberal Democrat officials highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the agreement, stressing the need for clarity on US military ties and the financial terms. They argued that Trump’s inconsistent support has jeopardized the UK’s strategic partnerships. While the deal’s future remains unclear, the government insists it will continue negotiations with the US and Mauritius to resolve the impasse.
