Kate Whannel, a political reporter, has reported that the UK government is currently in discussions with Mauritius to reach an agreement regarding the future of the Chagos Islands. According to sources in Downing Street, the proposed deal would grant Mauritius sovereignty over the islands, while allowing the US and UK to maintain a military base on one of the islands for an initial period of 99 years, with the British taxpayer bearing the cost.
Despite initial concerns about potential objections from Donald Trump, UK government sources have indicated that they are proceeding with the negotiations without awaiting further approval from the former US president. Earlier this year, Foreign Secretary David Lammy had stated that the deal would be contingent on Trump’s stance on the matter.
A statement from the Mauritian government echoed the sentiments expressed by Downing Street, confirming that both countries are actively working to finalize the agreement. The decision to transfer control of the Chagos Islands, officially known as the British Indian Ocean Territory, was first announced in October following discussions with then-Mauritian leader Pravind Jugnauth. However, his successor, current Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, has raised concerns about the proposed deal, leading to delays in the negotiation process.
The Reform UK leader, Nigel Farage, who is known to be an ally of Trump, had previously suggested that the US president’s administration would react unfavorably to the agreement. Despite initial remarks from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about potential risks to national security, Trump recently indicated his support for the deal during discussions with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The agreement, if finalized, is expected to allow the UK to lease Diego Garcia for a significant period, with additional extension options included
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