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. In a post on social media, 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, with the prime minister's official spokesperson insisting the US still supports the move. The UK signed the £3.4bn ($4.6bn) agreement in May, which allows it to maintain control over a UK-US military base on the largest of the islands, Diego Garcia.
Trump criticized the agreement on his Truth Social platform, expressing concern about the implications for US military operations and suggesting that China and Russia had noticed the UK’s actions as a sign of weakness. However, the UK government, backed by its Five Eyes allies, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, reaffirmed its commitment to the deal.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the necessity of the agreement to protect the military base from potential threats, following court decisions that jeopardized its operation. The deal is positioned as vital for regional and global security, with support from US officials having been expressed previously.
Despite the UK government’s assurances, the deal continues to face political pressure within the UK. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage articulated their opposition, echoing Trump’s sentiments. In contrast, Labour MP Emily Thornberry cautioned against taking Trump's comments too literally, suggesting a measured approach in response.
Meanwhile, the Chagossian community, represented by individuals like Bernadette Dugasse and Bertrice Pompe, has called for their inclusion in discussions about their homeland's future. They express a desire for the UK to halt the deal and allow Chagossians a say in decisions affecting their lives.
}