Britain’s government has decided to pause the agreement to transfer control of the Chagos Islands, where the US-British Diego Garcia air base is located, following criticism from US President Donald Trump. The legislation supporting the transfer of the islands to Mauritius, which requires approval from Washington, will not be included in the upcoming parliamentary agenda. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office stated that efforts would be made to convince Washington to formally endorse the deal.
In February, Trump labeled the agreement as a “big mistake,” having previously indicated it as the best outcome for Starmer. Under the terms of the deal, Britain would maintain authority over the strategically significant military base on Diego Garcia through a 99-year lease that safeguards US operations there. A spokesperson for the British government emphasized the importance of ensuring the long-term operational security of Diego Garcia.
While maintaining that the agreement is the optimal approach to safeguard the base’s future, the government clarified that proceeding with the deal hinges on US support. The historical displacement of up to 2,000 indigenous Chagossians in the late 1960s and 1970s to establish the base has been a contentious issue. Toby Noskwith, a representative for the Indigenous Chagossian People campaign group, expressed concerns over the deal and highlighted the impact on the displaced Chagossians.
Questions have been raised regarding the significant resources expended on a faltering negotiation process and the ethical implications of disregarding the Chagossians’ right to self-determination. Additionally, there have been tensions in the US-UK alliance due to Starmer’s stance on the US-Israeli conflict with regard to using British air bases for attacks. Trump’s criticisms of Starmer and the strain on the “special relationship” between the two countries have added further complexity to the situation.