UK shelves Chagos deal after Trump opposition
UK halts Chagos agreement following Trump’s resistance
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has paused the Chagos Islands agreement due to strained ties with Donald Trump, who has not officially endorsed the treaty. Trump had previously supported the deal but recently criticized it, labeling it an “act of total weakness.” This shift in stance has left the UK government without the necessary US backing to proceed with legislation.
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 agreement would transfer sovereignty to Mauritius while allowing the UK to lease Diego Garcia, the largest island, to the US military for an estimated £101 million annually. A government representative emphasized that the UK remains committed to securing the strategic importance of Diego Garcia, stating it is “the entire reason for the deal.”
“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. We continue to believe the agreement is the best way to protect the future of the base, but we would only proceed if the US supports it.”
Timeline of events
Although the deal was finalized in May 2025 and initially welcomed by the US, Trump’s public opposition in early 2026 cast doubt on its viability. In February, he urged Starmer to abandon the plan, calling it a “blight on our great ally” despite the Department of State’s prior endorsement. The UK’s legislative process, which was nearing completion, has now stalled as Parliament prepares to dissolve in the coming weeks.
Political reactions
Conservatives and Reform UK have expressed approval over the deal being delayed, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch attributing the setback to Labour’s efforts to cede territory. Reform UK’s Nigel Farage called the pause “great news and long overdue,” urging the government to assist Chagossians in returning to their homeland. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson Calum Miller criticized the handling of the agreement, citing its chaotic progression and Trump’s inconsistent support.
Chagossian concerns
Residents of the Chagos Islands view the deal as a betrayal, fearing the loss of their ancestral home. The UK’s decision to delay the agreement aligns with the opposition’s stance, though the government maintains it is still open to finalizing the deal if the US provides formal confirmation. The absence of such confirmation has left the treaty in limbo, with no new legislation expected in the King’s Speech by mid-May.
