UK shelves Chagos deal after Trump opposition
UK Suspends Chagos Islands Agreement Following Trump’s Criticism
Plans to finalize the Chagos Islands agreement have been temporarily halted by the UK government, citing deteriorating ties with President Donald Trump. The US had not yet formally endorsed the deal, which would transfer sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius, prompting Starmer to delay legislative action. Earlier, Trump had expressed support for the arrangement but later labeled it an “act of total weakness” in January, urging its cancellation.
Deal Details and Strategic Concerns
The proposed agreement involves the UK relinquishing control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while maintaining a military lease on Diego Garcia, the territory’s largest island, at an annual cost of £101m. A government representative emphasized that the deal remains vital for securing the long-term strategic use of the Diego Garcia base, stating, “Ensuring its long-term operational security is and will continue to be our priority—this is the entire reason for the deal.” They added, “We continue to believe the agreement is the best way to protect the future of the base, but we will only proceed if the US backs it.”
“Diego Garcia is a key strategic military asset for both the UK and the US.” – Government spokesperson
The Chagos Islands, administered by the UK since the 19th century, have been a focal point of international debate. The deal, signed in May 2025, initially received US backing, but Trump’s public criticism in early 2026 cast doubt on its viability. His remarks, posted on Truth Social, accused the UK of “giving away Diego Garcia” and called the agreement “a blight on our great ally.” This came despite the US Department of State endorsing the plan just days prior.
Legislative efforts to cement the deal had reached a critical stage, but officials confirmed that the bill will not be included in the King’s Speech in mid-May. The absence of a formal letter exchange from the US—a legal requirement—has left the agreement in limbo. The UK government remains engaged with both the US and Mauritius, acknowledging the need for further negotiation.
Political Reactions and Chagossian Views
Conservatives and Reform UK have praised the decision to suspend the agreement, with Kemi Badenoch claiming, “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.” Nigel Farage added, “This is great news and long overdue. Now the government must right a terrible wrong and help the Chagossians to fully resettle their home.”
In contrast, Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson Calum Miller criticized the handling of the deal, calling it “totally shambolic—from its start under the Tories to this point under Labour.” He argued that Trump’s shifting stance has jeopardized the UK’s stable military alliance with the US, stressing the need for clarity on the future partnership and Chagossian rights.
Chagossians, who have long opposed the agreement, view it as a betrayal. They advocate for the UK to retain sovereignty over the islands to facilitate their return. The suspension of the deal has been welcomed by some as a chance to reassess its impact on both national interests and the rights of displaced residents.