UK shelves Chagos deal after Trump opposition

UK Shelves Chagos Agreement Amid Trump’s Criticism

The UK has temporarily suspended its Chagos Islands agreement following mounting tensions with Donald Trump. The US did not officially endorse the treaty, leading to the decision to delay its implementation. Trump initially supported the deal but later condemned it as an “act of total weakness” in January. Despite this, UK officials stated they are not fully abandoning the agreement, which would transfer sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius, though legislative progress has stalled.

Deal Details and Legal Hurdles

The Chagos Islands, known as the British Indian Ocean Territory, have been under British control since the early 1800s. The proposed deal would see the UK relinquish sovereignty to Mauritius while maintaining a joint military base on Diego Garcia, the largest island, through annual payments averaging £101 million. A government spokesperson emphasized:

“Diego Garcia remains a vital strategic asset for the UK and US. Our priority is ensuring its long-term operational security. The agreement is designed to safeguard the base’s future, but we will only proceed if the US supports it.”

Political Reactions and Timeline

The deal, signed in May 2025, had initially received US backing. However, Trump’s criticism in early 2026 cast doubt on its viability. In February, the US Department of State endorsed the plan just hours before Trump posted on Truth Social, urging Starmer to “not give away Diego Garcia” and labeling the deal a “blight on our great ally.” UK officials noted that the country has yet to receive formal letters of approval from the US, a legal requirement for the treaty’s enactment.

While the Chagos bill was nearing final passage, time has run out for legislation before the upcoming parliamentary dissolution. A new bill is unlikely to appear in the King’s Speech in mid-May. The delay has drawn support from opposition parties, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch claiming:

“Keir Starmer’s Chagos surrender now finds its place in history because Conservatives led the fight against it from the start. The length of the process reflects a prime minister who prioritized ceding British territory for a £35bn payment to retain a military base already ours.”

Reform UK’s Nigel Farage welcomed the shelving, stating:

“This is great news and long overdue. The government must now correct a serious mistake and assist Chagossians in returning to their homeland.”

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Calum Miller criticized the handling of the deal, saying:

“The Chagos process has been a mess since the Tories began it. Trump’s shifting stance shows his unreliability. Any agreement must clarify the UK-US military partnership and address Chagossian rights, along with thorough parliamentary review of the financial terms.”