Chagos deal paused over Trump opposition, minister confirms
Chagos Islands Agreement Stalled Due to Trump’s Shift, Foreign Minister Says
UK Foreign Minister Stephen Doughty revealed that the Chagos Islands treaty has been indefinitely suspended, citing President Donald Trump’s withdrawal of support. The deal would have transferred sovereignty of the territory to Mauritius while enabling the UK to lease the Diego Garcia military base to the US for £101 million annually. Trump had earlier endorsed the agreement but reversed his stance in January, calling it an “act of total weakness.”
Legislative Halt Follows BBC Report
Doughty’s statement came in response to a query from Conservative MPs, following the BBC’s revelation that Sir Keir Starmer had delayed the process. During a Commons address, the minister emphasized the U.S. president’s opposition as the primary obstacle, expressing frustration as he stated no legislation would advance this parliamentary term. Earlier that day, the prime minister’s spokesperson remained noncommittal on reintroducing the bill, indicating it would be announced as usual once the next session begins on 13 May.
“In recent weeks, the position of the United States president appears to have changed. And this means that, in practical terms, it has become impossible to agree at political level an update to the 1966 UK-US agreement…”
Doughty noted that the treaty had been negotiated with close U.S. collaboration under multiple administrations, yet the current impasse made progress “impossible to agree at political level.” He added, “It’s regrettable to us that obviously there has been a delay, we’ve run out of time in this parliamentary session, but the facts have not changed the need for this treaty.”
While the UK and Mauritius finalized an agreement last May, the final draft of the Chagos Bill remains unresolved between the Commons and Lords. Doughty confirmed that no payments would be made during the delay, as the treaty’s ratification hinges on legislative passage. The government will now consult with the U.S. and Mauritius to determine next steps.
Cost Controversies and Strategic Concerns
Under the 2023 agreement, the UK would surrender control of the Chagos Islands but retain the Diego Garcia base for 99 years, with a total cost of £3.4 billion. Critics, however, argue the real financial burden could reach £35 billion when adjusted for inflation, and warn the deal might allow China to gain influence in the region. The minister did not address these concerns directly, instead focusing on the U.S. opposition as the decisive factor.
Conservative shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel pressed Doughty to confirm whether the government would proceed without Trump’s backing, asking if new legislation could be introduced next session. Doughty acknowledged the Conservatives had initiated the process but left the possibility of a fresh bill open-ended.
Parliament has agreed to extend five other bills beyond May 13, but the Chagos Bill is not among them. UK officials will now reassess their strategy in light of the stalled agreement.