UK shelves Chagos deal after Trump opposition
UK Shelves Chagos Agreement Amid Tension with Trump
The UK government has postponed the Chagos Islands deal following escalating tensions with Donald Trump. The U.S. has not officially endorsed the agreement, which would transfer British sovereignty over the territory to Mauritius, prompting Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to halt its progress. Trump had previously supported the treaty but recently criticized it, calling it an “act of total weakness” in January. Officials emphasize that the UK is not fully abandoning the plan but faces challenges in securing legislative approval before Parliament dissolves in late May.
Deal Details and Strategic Concerns
The Chagos Islands, formally the British Indian Ocean Territory, have been under UK control since the 19th century. The agreement would hand the islands to Mauritius while maintaining a joint military base on Diego Garcia, with annual payments of £101 million to the island nation. A government spokesperson stated: “Diego Garcia remains a vital strategic asset for both the UK and the US. Ensuring its operational security is our top priority, and the deal is central to safeguarding its future. We will proceed only if the U.S. supports it.”
Political Backing and Opposition
The Chagos agreement was signed in May 2025 and initially backed by the U.S. However, Trump’s comments in early 2026 cast doubt on the deal, labeling it a “blight on our great ally.” His criticism came despite the U.S. Department of State endorsing the plan just days earlier. In February, Trump even urged Starmer to abandon the deal on Truth Social, arguing it would undermine U.S.-UK military cooperation.
Public Sentiment and Political Reactions
Many Chagossians view the agreement as a betrayal, advocating for the UK to retain control to enable their eventual return. The Conservatives and Reform UK have welcomed the shelving of the deal, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch claiming: “Starmer’s Chagos surrender will end up on the ash heap of history due to our consistent opposition.” Reform UK’s Nigel Farage added: “This is great news and long overdue. The government must now correct a major injustice and assist Chagossians in resettling their homeland.”
Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Calum Miller criticized the deal’s handling, stating: “The Chagos process has been chaotic, from its inception under the Conservatives to its current state under Labour. Trump’s shifting stance highlights his unreliability, risking the UK’s stable military partnership with the U.S. Any resolution must clarify the future of the base and address Chagossian rights and the financial terms.”
While the UK has yet to receive formal letters of approval from the U.S., officials remain engaged with both nations. The absence of a new Chagos bill in the King’s Speech signals the current pause in legislative action, though the agreement is not entirely discarded.
