Last-minute rush: Major UK territory deal faces unexpected Trump factor
UK government pushes to complete Chagos Islands agreement before next years political shift in Washington. Deal involves territory transfer to Mauritius while keeping key military base
In a time-sensitive push Sir Keir Starmer aims to finalize the Chagos Islands deal before Jan-20 when Donald Trump returns to office. The treaty would transfer the Indian Ocean territory to Mauritius but keeping the US military base on Diego Garcia under British control for next 99 years
Growing push-back comes from various sides including Boris Johnson and Nigel Farage who express worry about Chinaʼs influence in the region (as Mauritius maintains close ties with Beijing). The deal‚ supported by Joe Bidenʼs administration faces uncertain future if not completed soon
- Pentagon backs current agreement
- State Department shows support
- Republican leadership objects
- UK Parliament needs to ratify
Jonathan Powell‚ UKʼs new security adviser met with Mauritius leader this week; planning US trip to gain support from Trump-aligned figures. The new Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam first showed doubt but privately confirmed his backing in a letter to Sir Keir
The whole things a scandal. Its driven by people who frankly hate the historic legacy of imperial Britain
David Lammy the Foreign Secretary defended the deal: “The agencies in United States think this is a good deal; the state department thinks this is a good deal“ – highlighting broad US institutional support. The UK government maintains its position saying theyre finalizing legal text for next years parliamentary review
