UK Officials Deny Pause in Diego Garcia Legislation Despite Trump Criticism
Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer "misspoke" when he claimed that the UK was "pausing" legislation to hand over the Chagos Islands, senior government sources have indicated. This clarification comes amid sharp criticism from former US president Donald Trump regarding the £35 billion deal, which includes a plan to lease back the Diego Garcia military base.
Trump's Vocal Opposition to the Chagos Deal
Donald Trump has described the agreement as a "big mistake" and directly urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer: "Do not give away Diego Garcia." In a recent statement, he labelled the deal "tenuous" and "no good," despite the US State Department previously expressing support for the treaty. The legislation, currently progressing through Parliament, aims to ratify a treaty transferring the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius.
Government's Stance and Diplomatic Discussions
A government spokesman firmly stated: "There is no pause. We have never set a deadline. Timings will be announced in the usual way." Officials emphasised that the UK is continuing discussions with the United States and will not proceed without American support. The deal involves paying £34.7 billion in nominal terms over 99 years to secure use of the Diego Garcia base, a move the government argues is necessary following a 2019 International Court of Justice advisory ruling favouring Mauritian sovereignty claims.
Political Reactions and Parliamentary Status
The agreement has faced significant backlash from both Westminster and the White House. Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel, who was lobbying in Washington, called for Sir Keir Starmer to "face reality and kill this shameful surrender once and for all." Tory leader Kemi Badenoch echoed this sentiment, describing the plan as "indefensible" and urging to "chuck the Chagos surrender." Although officials deny any pause, the legislation has not been debated in the Commons or Lords since January 20, despite being in its final stages.
Hamish Falconer told MPs that while there was initial US administration support for the treaty, a "very significant" statement from President Trump has prompted direct discussions with American counterparts. He acknowledged the government is "now discussing those concerns with the United States directly" but later sources clarified his remarks as a misstatement. The UK has consistently acknowledged that it will not advance the deal without US backing, highlighting the strategic importance of the Diego Garcia base in global defence operations.
