UK Scraps Chagos Islands Bill After Trump Withdraws Support

LONDON (Azat TV) – The United Kingdom has shelved legislation intended to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, a move that marks a significant policy shift attributed to the withdrawal of support from U.S. President Donald Trump. The bill’s absence from the upcoming King’s Speech signals a U-turn for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government.

Trump’s Opposition Derails Chagos Islands Deal

The decision to remove the Chagos Islands sovereignty bill from parliamentary proceedings follows public criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly described the deal as “an act of great stupidity.” This opposition has been described as a critical factor, with Downing Street acknowledging that proceeding without Washington’s endorsement is unfeasible. Initially, the deal had received the backing of U.S. intelligence services, but Trump reversed his position amid broader geopolitical tensions, including those concerning Greenland.

Strategic Importance of Diego Garcia Base

Under the proposed agreement, the UK would have ceded sovereignty of the archipelago to Mauritius while securing a 99-year lease for the strategically vital Diego Garcia base. This base has played a significant role in international military operations, including during the Iran conflict. A government source emphasized that the primary objective of the deal was to ensure the “long-term operational future” of Diego Garcia as a critical asset for both the UK and the United States. However, concerns were also raised by officials regarding potential legal challenges from Mauritius that could impact access to the waters surrounding the base.

Internal Disagreements and Political Ramifications

The Chagos Islands deal had faced considerable domestic opposition, including resistance from within the Conservative party and from Reform UK. Critics argued that proceeding with the transfer would violate a 1966 Anglo-American treaty that affirmed British sovereignty and guaranteed the islands’ availability for mutual defense purposes. Furthermore, the financial implications of the agreement became a point of contention, with ministerial estimates of £3.5 billion being challenged by Conservative critics who projected a lifetime cost of £35 billion. The apparent collapse of the deal has led Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch to claim credit for its downfall.

Strained UK-US Relations Amid Geopolitical Shifts

The reversal on the Chagos Islands deal underscores a period of strained relations between the UK and the United States, particularly in the context of the ongoing Iran conflict. Reports indicate that President Trump was displeased with the UK’s refusal to permit U.S. forces to launch initial strikes from British bases, leading to accusations of weakness against Prime Minister Starmer. The Prime Minister, in turn, has publicly stated that the public is “fed up” with the actions of both Trump and Russian President Putin driving up living costs.

The decision to withdraw the Chagos Islands bill highlights the significant influence of U.S. presidential endorsement on key British foreign policy initiatives, particularly when they involve critical defense assets like the Diego Garcia base. This reliance on American backing, especially during periods of geopolitical uncertainty and personal friction between leaders, illustrates the delicate balance the UK must maintain in its international alliances.