UK shelves Chagos deal after Trump opposition

UK Pauses Chagos Islands Agreement Following US President’s Criticism

The UK government has postponed its plan to transfer control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, citing growing tensions with Donald Trump who has voiced opposition to the treaty. Despite earlier backing from the US president, Trump recently urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to abandon the deal, labeling it an “act of total weakness” in January. Officials indicate the agreement is not entirely scrapped, but legislative progress has stalled as Parliament prepares to dissolve in weeks.

The Chagos Islands, formally the British Indian Ocean Territory, have been under British administration since the early 1800s. The proposed deal would grant Mauritius sovereignty over the islands while allowing the UK to lease the Diego Garcia military base for an estimated £101 million annually. A government spokesperson emphasized that “ensuring the long-term security of Diego Garcia remains our primary concern” and that the agreement is still viewed as vital for maintaining the base’s operations.

Legislative Process Stalls Amid Trump’s Comments

Originally in the final stages of passage, the Chagos bill faced uncertainty after Trump’s public criticism. In February, the government denied halting the deal, just hours after a minister mentioned a pause in parliamentary proceedings. The deal was signed in May 2025, but Trump’s remarks in early 2026 cast doubt on its future, calling it “a blight on our great ally” and urging Starmer to retain control over the islands.

It is understood that the UK has yet to receive formal letters from the US confirming approval, a legal requirement for the treaty’s enactment. This absence has left the legislation without a clear path forward, as the King’s Speech in mid-May does not include a new Chagos bill.

Political Reactions and Chagossian Concerns

Chagossians, who were displaced from the islands decades ago, see the agreement as a betrayal. They advocate for the UK to maintain sovereignty to facilitate their eventual return. The Conservatives and Reform UK have welcomed the shelving of the deal, with Kemi Badenoch stating, “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.” Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Calum Miller criticized the handling of the deal, asserting, “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 US military ties and Parliamentary oversight of the financial terms.

“Ensuring its long-term operational security is and will continue to be our priority – it is the entire reason for the deal.”

Officials remain engaged with both the US and Mauritius, acknowledging the deal’s importance but expressing frustration over the delay. The UK’s decision to pause the agreement reflects the influence of Trump’s shifting stance, which has undermined the stability of the US-British military partnership.