A potential transfer of control over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is in jeopardy following opposition from Donald Trump. The crucial legislation needed for the agreement will not be presented in the upcoming King’s Speech after Trump criticized it as a “foolish act” and withdrew his support. Despite this setback, Keir Starmer is resolute in his support for the deal and aims to sway Trump’s stance.
Trump’s shifting position has left government officials feeling frustrated, especially after he initially endorsed the deal following extensive negotiations. The change of heart is believed to be linked to a disagreement with NATO concerning plans involving Greenland.
The proposed agreement, which stirred controversy in the UK, would involve transferring the islands to Mauritius and subsequently leasing Diego Garcia for 99 years, where a UK military base is situated. The estimated cost of the deal is £3.5 billion.
Relations between Starmer and Trump have soured recently, with the Labour leader openly criticizing the US President’s actions in the Middle East. Trump, in turn, criticized the UK for not allowing American use of the base on the island for strikes on Iran.
Starmer condemned the proposed strikes on Iran as illegal and poorly planned, expressing public discontent with both Trump and President Putin. The absence of the deal in the King’s Speech on May 13 raises concerns, yet the government remains hopeful of persuading Trump to reconsider his position.
There are fears that Mauritius might pursue a legal challenge to compel the UK to grant temporary access to waters around the islands, potentially complicating US maritime patrols in the region.