In brief
The UK government is reaffirming its support for a deal that transfers sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while retaining control over a key military base. Trump criticized the deal as a sign of weakness, but UK officials assert strong backing from the US and emphasize the importance of national security. The arrangement, agreed upon in May, involves the UK leasing back Diego Garcia for military purposes.
The UK government has defended a deal to give the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and lease back a key military base, following criticism from US President Donald Trump over its handling.
Trump labelled the move as an act of great stupidity and total weakness, months after he and senior US officials endorsed it.
In response, the UK government stated it would never compromise on our national security, asserting that the US still supports the move.
The UK signed a £3.4bn ($4.6bn) agreement in May, under which it would retain control of a UK-US military base on the largest of the islands, Diego Garcia.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated: Shockingly, our 'brilliant' NATO Ally, the United Kingdom, is currently planning to give away Diego Garcia, the site of a vital U.S. Military Base, to Mauritius, and to do so FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER. He further commented that China and Russia have noticed this act of weakness.
The prime minister's office maintains that the deal is confirmed, reinforcing its necessity in securing military operations.
This agreement comes after a long-standing dispute over the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, which were separated from Mauritius in 1965. The UK will lease Diego Garcia back for 99 years at an average cost of £101m per year.
Officials highlighted the strategic importance of the base while underscoring that the deal had received support from key allies, including the other members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.
Some domestic leaders have criticized the deal, interpreting Trump's comments as an opportunity to reconsider the agreement's direction.
Meanwhile, Chagossian residents express their frustrations, advocating for their inclusion in discussions regarding their homeland.
