UK Stands Firm on Chagos Agreement Amid Trump’s Criticism

The British government has reaffirmed its commitment to a contentious agreement regarding the Chagos Islands, which involves transferring sovereignty to Mauritius while retaining control over a significant military base. This comes in the wake of disparaging remarks from former US President Donald Trump, who criticized the arrangement as a misguided decision.

In a post on his social media platform, Trump described the deal as an “act of great stupidity” and indicative of “total weakness,” despite having previously endorsed it alongside senior US officials. The UK promptly responded, asserting that it would always prioritize national security and emphasizing ongoing support from the US.

In May, the UK finalized a £3.4 billion ($4.6 billion) agreement, which allows it to maintain oversight of the key military installation located on Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago. Trump’s comments on Tuesday accused the UK of recklessly giving away this strategically important territory with no justification.

Trump stated, “Shockingly, our ‘brilliant’ NATO Ally, the United Kingdom, is currently planning to give away the Island of Diego Garcia, the site of a vital U.S. Military Base, to Mauritius, and to do so FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER.”

He further remarked, “The UK giving away extremely important land is an act of GREAT STUPIDITY, and is another in a very long line of National Security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired.” In defense of the agreement, a spokesperson for the prime minister asserted that the US continues to support the transfer, noting that Trump recognized its significance last year.

The spokesperson highlighted that the deal has also gained the approval of the UK’s Five Eyes allies, which include Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. When questioned about the certainty of the Chagos agreement’s progression through Parliament, the spokesperson assured, “Yes. Categorically, our position hasn’t changed.”

A representative from the UK government explained that the decision was necessitated by legal challenges that jeopardized the operational capabilities of the Diego Garcia base. They emphasized that this agreement ensures the continued functionality of the joint US-UK military facility for future generations.

Stephen Doughty, a minister from the UK Foreign Office, indicated that discussions with the Trump administration would occur shortly to emphasize the strengths of the deal and its implications for the military base. Meanwhile, Mauritius’ attorney general, Gavin Glover, expressed confidence that the agreement would proceed, reminding that it was exclusively negotiated between the UK and Mauritius.

Glover pointed out that international law already recognizes Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, eliminating any further debate on the matter. The agreement puts an end to a longstanding dispute between Mauritius, a former British colony, and the UK regarding the islands’ sovereignty, which has been a contentious issue since the islands were detached from Mauritius in 1965.

The UK acquired the islands for £3 million at that time, but Mauritius has consistently contended that it was coerced into relinquishing them as part of its independence negotiations. Under the terms of the recent deal, the UK will transfer sovereignty to Mauritius but will lease Diego Garcia back for 99 years at an average annual cost of £101 million.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer justified this arrangement as essential for safeguarding the base against potential threats. Prior to finalizing the agreement, the UK had extended an effective veto to Trump, recognizing the deal’s potential impact on US security.

Despite criticism from some of Trump’s allies, he stated during a meeting with Starmer that he was likely to support the UK’s approach. Following the deal’s signing, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the agreement, stating it secures the long-term operations of the military facility at Diego Garcia, which he called a crucial asset for both regional and global security.

Currently, a government bill aimed at implementing the agreement with Mauritius is nearing completion in Parliament. On social media, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch urged the prime minister to reconsider the Chagos policy, labeling the payment to surrender the islands as not only foolish but also self-sabotaging.

Reform UK’s leader, Nigel Farage, who has been a vocal opponent of the deal, expressed relief that Trump had intervened against the transfer. Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey criticized the handling of the agreement, suggesting that it undermines the government’s relationship with the US.

In response to Trump’s remarks, Labour MP and chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Emily Thornberry, advised taking the former president’s comments seriously but cautioned against interpreting them literally. She described his statements as an instance of “presidential trolling,” advocating for a calm approach to the situation.

Two British Chagossian women, Bernadette Dugasse and Bertrice Pompe, who were born on Diego Garcia, have voiced their desire to return to their homeland and expressed feelings of exclusion from the negotiations surrounding the deal. Pompe characterized Trump’s critique as a “good thing” but ultimately just rhetoric, while Dugasse insisted that Chagossians should have a voice in determining their future.