UK Halts Chagos Islands Sovereignty Deal Amid US Opposition
Chagos Islands Deal On Hold Due to US Pressure
The United Kingdom has paused legislation to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This decision comes after former US President Donald Trump publicly criticised the deal, describing it as an "act of total weakness," and despite earlier indications of US support.
Government officials confirm that while the agreement is not entirely abandoned, there is insufficient time to pass the necessary legislation before Parliament is dissolved. A new Chagos bill is not anticipated in the King's Speech next month.
A critical factor in the delay is the absence of a formal exchange of letters from the US, which is a legal prerequisite for the treaty's enactment. The proposed deal involved ceding the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius and then leasing back a joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia at an estimated annual cost of £101 million.
A government spokesperson emphasised the strategic importance of Diego Garcia, stating, "Ensuring its long-term operational security is and will continue to be our priority – it is the entire reason for the deal." They added that proceeding with the agreement is contingent on US support, and engagement with both the US and Mauritius continues.
The announcement follows a period of confusion, with the government initially denying the deal had been paused, hours after a minister suggested otherwise in Parliament. The deal, signed in May 2025, initially had US backing before Trump's subsequent public disapproval.
The shelving of the deal has been welcomed by both the Conservative Party and Reform UK, who had previously voiced strong criticism. Conversely, Liberal Democrats highlighted the "shambolic" handling of the deal and criticised Trump's "fickle approach" for endangering the UK-US military partnership.
Many Chagossians, who were forcibly removed from the islands, advocate for the UK to retain sovereignty, hoping for a future return to their homeland. This development leaves the future of the Chagos Islands and the Diego Garcia base uncertain.
