The UK’s Chagos Islands agreement will move forward despite the recent change of stance by Donald Trump, a government official has affirmed.
Alex Davies-Jones assured that the deal would progress as planned, despite President Trump’s unexpected remarks targeting Keir Starmer. Trump criticized Starmer just a day after the US State Department endorsed the agreement.
This contentious agreement involves the transfer of sovereignty of the Chagos Islands from Britain to Mauritius after a 200-year period. Subsequently, the UK will lease back the main island, Diego Garcia, which hosts a military base jointly operated by the US and UK.
Justice Minister Ms. Davies-Jones emphasized the significance of the Chagos Islands deal for national security, highlighting its role in counterterrorism efforts and infrastructure vital for security not only in the UK but also for allied nations.
She stated that the legislation to ratify the agreement would return to Parliament at the earliest opportunity, and discussions between the UK and the White House would persist.
Ms. Davies-Jones pointed out that during initial talks with President Trump, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the deal, which received Trump’s endorsement. The US administration recently reiterated its commitment to the agreement.
The Foreign Office emphasized that handing over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the Diego Garcia military base, a key asset for UK security and that of its allies.
Trump, in his latest remarks, criticized the leaseback agreement for Diego Garcia, expressing concerns about its cost and strategic implications. He suggested the base’s potential use in operations against Iran.
The proposed legislation, which was delayed due to geopolitical concerns, is set for discussion in the House of Lords. Trump’s criticism followed discussions between former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith and Trump administration officials regarding the Chagos deal.
The exiled first minister of the Chagos Islands urged Prime Minister Starmer to reconsider the treaty, advocating for the cancellation of the deal to allow Chagossians to return to their homeland.
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