UK shelves Chagos deal after Trump opposition
UK Halts Chagos Agreement Amid Trump’s Resistance
Sir Keir Starmer has postponed the Chagos Islands agreement following deteriorating ties with Donald Trump, as the U.S. has yet to provide official confirmation. The president initially supported the treaty but later urged Starmer to abandon it, labeling the plan an “act of total weakness” in January. This shift in stance has left the UK government without the necessary backing to finalize the deal.
Deal Overview and Legal Requirements
The Chagos Islands, officially the British Indian Ocean Territory, have been under British control since the early 1800s. The proposed agreement would transfer sovereignty to Mauritius while allowing the UK to lease Diego Garcia for a joint military base at an annual cost of £101 million ($136 million). A government spokesperson emphasized that the UK “has not entirely abandoned the agreement” but faces challenges in securing legislative passage before Parliament dissolves.
“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—it is the entire reason for the deal.”
Despite the U.S. Department of State endorsing the plan, the lack of a formal exchange of letters between the two nations has stalled the process. The original deal, signed in May 2025, was praised by the U.S., but Trump’s criticism in early 2026 cast doubt on its future.
Political Reactions and Chagossian Concerns
Conservatives and Reform UK, which have consistently opposed the deal, have welcomed its suspension. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch claimed, “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.” Reform UK’s 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.”
Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Calum Miller criticized the “shambolic” handling of the deal, noting its origins under the previous government. He argued that Trump’s inconsistent support has jeopardized the UK’s military partnership with the U.S. and stressed the need for clarity on both the islands’ future and the financial implications.
Many Chagossians view the agreement as a betrayal, hoping the UK will maintain control to facilitate their return. While the deal was in its final legislative stage, officials now admit there is insufficient time to pass it before the King’s Speech in mid-May. The situation remains unresolved, with the U.S. still required to finalize its approval for the treaty to proceed.
