UK shelves Chagos deal after Trump opposition
UK Halts Chagos Agreement Amid US Opposition
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has delayed the Chagos Islands deal following strained ties with Donald Trump. The US’s lack of formal endorsement has led to the UK pausing its efforts to finalize the agreement. Earlier, Trump had advocated for its cancellation, despite previously backing the treaty. In January, he described the plan as an “act of total weakness,” casting doubt on its viability.
The proposed deal would transfer the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius while allowing the UK to lease Diego Garcia for £101 million annually. Officials note that while the agreement isn’t entirely abandoned, legislative action is unlikely before Parliament dissolves in late May. A new Chagos bill will not be included in the King’s Speech, as the UK has yet to receive the required formal letters of approval from the US.
Deal Background and Key Concerns
The Chagos Islands, a British territory in the Indian Ocean, have been under UK control since the 19th century. The agreement aims to grant Mauritius sovereignty while securing long-term military access for the US. A spokesperson emphasized that Diego Garcia remains critical to UK and US strategic interests, stating, “Ensuring its long-term operational security is and will continue to be our priority.”
“We continue to believe the agreement is the best way to protect the long-term future of the base, but we would only proceed with US support.”
The deal, signed in May 2025, initially received US backing. However, Trump’s shift in stance during early 2026 reignited controversy. He criticized the plan on Truth Social, calling it “a blight on our great ally” and urging Starmer to “not give away Diego Garcia.” This came despite the US Department of State endorsing the agreement just days prior.
Political Reactions and Public Sentiment
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch praised the shelving, stating, “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.” She accused the Labour government of prioritizing financial costs over national interests, noting the £35bn payment for the lease.
“Unlike Labour, we will always put our country first. We are the only party who can be trusted to stand up for Britain’s interests abroad.”
Nigel Farage of Reform UK called the decision “great news and long overdue,” urging the government to “right a terrible wrong” and assist the Chagossians in resettling their homeland. Meanwhile, Calum Miller of the Liberal Democrats criticized the deal’s handling, saying, “The handling of the Chagos deal has been totally shambolic—from its start under the Tories to this point under Labour.”
“Any deal must provide clarity on the future military partnership with the US and address Chagossian rights and Parliamentary scrutiny of the sums involved.”
Many Chagossians view the agreement as a betrayal, seeking UK retention of sovereignty to reclaim their ancestral land. While the deal’s future remains uncertain, the UK continues to negotiate with both the US and Mauritius, balancing strategic interests with public sentiment.
