UK Government Pauses £35bn Chagos Sovereignty Transfer Following Trump's Direct Criticism
Legislation intended to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius has reportedly been put on hold, following direct and forceful criticism from former US President Donald Trump. The proposed £35 billion agreement, which includes a plan to lease back the crucial UK-US military base on Diego Garcia, is now facing significant political hurdles that threaten its progression.
Legislative Agenda Exclusion Signals Major Setback
A key piece of legislation, the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill, is not expected to feature in the Government's legislative agenda for the forthcoming King's Speech in May, according to reports from The Times. This exclusion represents a substantial setback for Prime Minister Keir Starmer's administration, which had formally announced the deal to hand over the remote Indian Ocean archipelago to Mauritius.
The Republican leader, who had previously supported the arrangement, branded the deal an "act of great stupidity" in a post on his Truth Social platform in January, directly impacting its political viability. Trump has also repeatedly criticised the Prime Minister throughout the conflict in the Middle East, with the White House suggesting Britain and NATO allies have "turned their backs" on the American people during the Iran war.
Government Sources Confirm Trump's Veto Power
A Government source, speaking to The Times, acknowledged the agreement as "the best way to protect the long-term future of the base" but confirmed that proceedings would not continue without Mr Trump's endorsement. This stance was echoed by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who declared the deal should find its "rightful place – on the ash heap of history."
Mrs Badenoch stated: "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. That it took so long is another damning indictment of a Prime Minister who fought to hand over British sovereign territory and pay £35 billion to use a crucial military base which was already ours."
Confusion and Reversals Mark Deal's Troubled Path
In February, there was considerable confusion over whether the Bill was proceeding, with Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer telling the Commons that the deal had been "paused" although Government officials later said he misspoke. The US administration had initially hailed the deal as a "monumental achievement" but Mr Trump subsequently lambasted it as an act of "total weakness."
He then reversed his position again, saying it was "the best" deal Sir Keir could make before withdrawing support once more. Legislation enabling the handover has not appeared before Parliament since 20 January despite being in its final stages, indicating the profound impact of Trump's interventions on the diplomatic process.
Strategic Imperatives Behind the Controversial Agreement
The Government has argued the deal is necessary to guarantee the future of the Diego Garcia base after an advisory International Court of Justice ruling in 2019 backed Mauritian claims to sovereignty over the islands. The proposed agreement includes a comprehensive plan to lease back the crucial UK-US military installation on Diego Garcia – the largest island in the remote archipelago – which serves as a vital strategic asset for both nations.
The £35 billion financial package represents one of the most substantial diplomatic settlements in recent British history, yet its fate now appears inextricably linked to American political dynamics. The pause in proceedings highlights the complex interplay between domestic legislation, international law, and transatlantic relations in resolving longstanding territorial disputes with significant military implications.
