No signs Chagos deal can be adapted to suit Trump, say UK officials
Summary
The UK government’s plan to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is currently blocked because President Trump strongly opposes the deal. UK officials say progress is unlikely unless President Trump changes his mind, as the deal requires US support to move forward.Key Facts
- The UK signed a treaty to give control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while keeping a military base on Diego Garcia under a 99-year lease.
- Mauritius was supposed to receive payments of £165 million for three years and then £120 million annually starting from the fourth year.
- UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said payments to Mauritius are on hold because the US must support the deal.
- President Trump called the agreement “a terrible deal” and does not support transferring the islands to Mauritius.
- Trump’s opposition came amid worsening relations with UK Labour leader Keir Starmer over the UK’s stance on US actions in Iran.
- UK officials say they still want to find a diplomatic solution to preserve the military base’s security while resolving the sovereignty issue.
- The UK government says all sides agree a resolution is needed, but US approval is necessary for the deal to proceed.
- The current situation is seen as a continuation of talks from previous UK governments, including one started under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
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