UK shelves Chagos deal after Trump opposition
UK Halts Chagos Islands Agreement Following Trump’s Opposition
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has postponed the Chagos Islands agreement due to strained ties with President Donald Trump, who has not formally endorsed the treaty. Trump initially supported the plan but later criticized it, calling it an “act of total weakness” in January. UK officials noted they are not completely abandoning the agreement, which would transfer sovereignty of the British territory to Mauritius, but have exhausted time to pass the legislation before Parliament dissolves.
The deal includes ceding control of the Chagos Islands, officially known as the British Indian Ocean Territory, to Mauritius. In exchange, the UK would lease back the Diego Garcia military base for an annual average of £101m ($136m). A government representative emphasized that the agreement remains vital for securing the long-term operational security of the base, stating, “Ensuring its long-term operational security is and will continue to be our priority—it is the entire reason for the deal.”
Deal in Doubt Amid US Backing Uncertainty
Despite the US Department of State’s approval of the plan, Trump’s comments on his Truth Social platform in February cast doubt on the deal. He urged Starmer to not “give away Diego Garcia,” labeling the agreement “a blight on our great ally.” The UK has yet to receive the formal exchange of letters required for the treaty to take effect. This step is crucial for legal validation, and without it, the legislation cannot proceed.
Previously, the deal was signed in May 2025 and initially supported by the US. However, Trump’s abrupt opposition in early 2026 highlighted his shifting stance. UK officials reiterated their belief in the agreement’s benefits but stressed that US backing was essential for its completion. They continue to negotiate with both the US and Mauritius to resolve the impasse.
Political Reactions to the Deal’s Suspension
Conservatives and Reform UK have welcomed the shelving of the deal, citing concerns over the UK’s sovereignty. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch claimed, “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 criticized the Labour government for prioritizing the deal over national interests, noting, “We are the only party who can be trusted to stand up for Britain’s interests abroad.”
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called the decision “great news and long overdue,” urging the government to address Chagossian resettlement. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Calum Miller remarked, “The handling of the Chagos deal has been totally shambolic—from its start under the Tories to this point under Labour.” He highlighted the need for clarity on the future of the UK-US military partnership and the importance of safeguarding Chagossian rights and parliamentary oversight of the financial commitments.
“Diego Garcia is a key strategic military asset for both the UK and the US.” “We continue to believe the agreement is the best way to protect the long-term future of the base, but we have always said we would only proceed with the deal if it has US support.”
Many Chagossians view the deal as a betrayal, advocating for the UK to retain control so they can eventually return to their homeland. The suspension of the agreement has left the future of the military base and the sovereignty of the islands in question, with political factions seizing the opportunity to critique the process and advocate for their positions.