UK shelves Chagos deal after Trump opposition

UK Shelves Chagos Deal Amid Trump’s Opposition

Sir Keir Starmer has postponed the Chagos Islands agreement following growing tensions with Donald Trump. The U.S. failure to formally endorse the deal has prompted the UK to halt its progress, despite earlier backing from the American president. In January, Trump criticized the plan as an “act of total weakness,” casting doubt on its future.

The Chagos Islands, formally named the British Indian Ocean Territory, have been under British control since the early 1800s. The proposed deal would transfer sovereignty to Mauritius while allowing the UK to lease Diego Garcia, the largest island, for a military base at an annual cost of £101 million. A government representative emphasized that the UK remains committed to safeguarding the base’s strategic importance, stating it is “the entire reason for the deal.”

UK officials indicate they are not completely discarding the agreement, but have exhausted time to pass legislation before Parliament dissolves. A new Chagos bill is unlikely to appear in the King’s Speech this May. The deal requires a formal exchange of letters from the U.S. as a legal prerequisite, which the UK has yet to receive.

“Diego Garcia is a key strategic military asset for both the UK and the US. Ensuring its long-term operational security is and will continue to be our priority,” said a government spokesperson.

The deal was finalized in May 2025 and initially supported by the U.S. However, Trump’s stance shifted in early 2026, where he labeled it a “blight on our great ally.” His comments on Truth Social urged Starmer to avoid “giving away Diego Garcia,” despite the State Department endorsing the plan just days prior.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch celebrated the deal’s delay, attributing it to her party’s early opposition. She claimed the agreement “represents a surrender of British territory” and criticized the prime minister for prioritizing “leasing rights” over national interests.

Reform UK’s Nigel Farage called the shelving “great news and long overdue,” urging the government to assist Chagossians in reclaiming their homeland. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Calum Miller criticized the handling of the deal, calling it “shambolic” and highlighting the need for clarity on military ties and financial commitments.

Chagossians, who view the agreement as a betrayal, continue to advocate for the UK to retain control. They hope the islands will eventually be returned to their original inhabitants. With Trump’s shifting stance, the UK faces uncertainty in finalizing the deal, leaving its future in question.