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Sir Keir Starmer has decided to put on hold the agreement concerning the Chagos Islands following a deterioration in relations with the United States under President Donald Trump, who has yet to formally approve the treaty. Despite previously expressing support for the arrangement, Trump later urged Starmer to abandon the deal, describing it as an “act of total weakness” earlier this year.
UK officials have emphasized that the government has not completely abandoned the treaty, which involves transferring sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius. However, with Parliament set to dissolve soon, there is now insufficient time to pass the necessary legislation. Furthermore, it is unlikely that a new bill about the Chagos Islands will be included in the King’s Speech scheduled for mid-May.
The agreement would see Britain cede control over the islands, handing sovereignty to Mauritius, while continuing to lease the Diego Garcia military base jointly operated by the UK and US at a cost averaging £101 million ($136 million) annually. A government spokesperson stressed the strategic importance of Diego Garcia, stating, “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.” The spokesperson added that the UK would only proceed with the treaty if it has US backing and that talks with the US and Mauritius are ongoing.
Though the US Department of State had officially supported the UK government’s plan just a day before the announcement, the formal exchange of letters required to enact the treaty has not yet been received. Reactions to the shelving of the agreement have been mixed. Many Chagossians view the proposed deal as a betrayal, as they hope to one day return to their homeland, which remains under British control since the early 19th century. The Conservatives and Reform UK have welcomed the decision to delay the treaty, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch stating, “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.” Meanwhile, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage praised the development, calling it “great news and long overdue,” and urged the government to assist the Chagossians in resettling their home.
Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Calum Miller criticized the handling of the deal, attributing the confusion to both Conservative and Labour governments. He also highlighted the unpredictable nature of Trump’s stance, noting, “We had a strong, stable and effective military partnership with the US. Trump has gravely endangered that.” Miller emphasized the need for any future agreement to clarify the military collaboration with the United States, protect Chagossian rights, and ensure Parliamentary oversight of the related financial arrangements
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