US President Donald Trump has clashed with American intelligence agencies over the UK’s decision to transfer control of the remote Chagos islands, according to Keir Starmer.
Trump criticized the agreement last week, calling it “stupid” and an “act of total weakness,” despite the US previously supporting the deal. He raised concerns about the UK’s motives for the £3.4 billion pact, suggesting they might be financially driven, leading to doubts about his understanding of the situation.
The deal involves the UK relinquishing sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius after two centuries of British rule, followed by a 99-year lease for the main island, Diego Garcia, which hosts a crucial US-UK military base. The annual cost for the UK to lease back Diego Garcia is anticipated to be £101 million.
On his way to China, Starmer informed journalists that discussions about the Chagos deal had occurred with the White House after Trump’s outburst.
He explained, “When the Trump administration took office, we paused for three months to allow them to review the Chagos deal, which they did at the agency level. They subsequently expressed clear support for the agreement once the review was completed.”
Starmer also highlighted endorsements from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. When questioned about Trump’s comprehension of the deal, Starmer emphasized the thorough agency review undertaken by the US administration before endorsing the agreement.
UK Government sources remained composed about the situation, attributing Trump’s reaction to the UK’s resistance to his attempts to acquire Greenland. Cabinet Minister Pat McFadden implied that Trump’s outburst stemmed from frustration at facing opposition from the UK and its allies.
Although the bill to finalize the deal was set to return to the House of Lords, its progression was halted after Conservative peers proposed an amendment to impede the process.
A Government spokesperson reaffirmed the commitment to the deal, emphasizing its importance for national security. Criticizing the peers’ interference as detrimental to national security priorities, the spokesperson condemned their actions as irresponsible and reckless.
