UK reconsiders Chagos deal amid US withdrawal of support
Britain is reconsidering the controversial Chagos deal due to lack of US support, Wes Streeting has confirmed, reports BritPanorama.
The Defence Secretary indicated that multimillion-pound payments to Mauritius are currently on hold as London reevaluates its agreement to relinquish control over the Chagos Archipelago.
The shift follows President Donald Trump’s criticism of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s approach regarding the deal, which Trump labelled as “terrible” during their first meeting at the UN General Assembly in New York.
Streeting emphasized that the deal to hand the Chagos Islands back to Mauritius “can’t go ahead without American support.” He stated that payments, estimated at £120 million annually, will not proceed “at this stage.”
A deal, signed by former Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, plans to cede sovereignty of the archipelago while maintaining the US-UK military base on Diego Garcia. Initial financial commitments included £165 million a year for the first three years, decreasing to £120 million from the fourth year.
After the agreement received approval under President Joe Biden, Trump later reversed US support, effectively stalling the handover. The US President has described the islands as “a very important piece of real estate, militarily and strategically.” During their meeting, he stated, “I don’t support it” and added, “I think it’s a terrible deal.”
In response to Trump’s comments, Burnham assured that the Government would “work hard” to forge a resolution acceptable to all parties involved. Streeting reiterated the necessity for American backing, highlighting its significance for the long-term strategic use of the Diego Garcia base.
Streeting articulated that any financial agreement would be “a price worth paying” if it secures the UK’s military interests. However, he acknowledged the challenges ahead, confirming the Government is actively reviewing the deal due to the absence of US support.
Mauritius’s claim to the Chagos Archipelago was reinforced by a ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2019. Streeting noted that while the ICJ’s ruling is currently advisory, further legal avenues may be explored by Mauritius, adding that the risk of potential international legal consequences is considerable.
He remarked that the previous administration believed it had backing from all involved parties before concerns arose from Washington. Streeting cautioned that the strategy of ignoring the situation is imprudent, given the strategic nature of the military asset involved.
As the situation unfolds, the UK must navigate complex diplomatic waters while ensuring the defence of its interests in the region.
Concerns surrounding the Chagos deal reflect larger geopolitical tensions and the impact of shifting alliances on national security strategies. The outcome remains to be seen, as the UK works to reconcile its commitments with evolving international dynamics.
