The UK government has been forced to shelve its legislation to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after the United States dropped its support for the agreement. Officials acknowledged on Friday that time had run out to pass the law within the current parliamentary session, which ends in the coming weeks.
The latest setback is a sign of worsening US-UK relations after Donald Trump criticised Keir Starmer over his handling of the Iran war. A government spokesperson said: 'Diego Garcia is a key strategic military asset for both the UK and the US. Ensuring its long-term operational security is our priority.'
Under the deal, the UK would cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and lease Diego Garcia for 99 years to continue operating the joint military base. However, the US had not formally exchanged letters to amend a 1966 treaty, forcing the UK to drop its bill. A new Chagos bill is not expected in the King's Speech in May.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called the delay 'another damning indictment of a prime minister who fought to hand over British sovereign territory'. Former Foreign Office permanent secretary Simon McDonald said the government had 'no other choice' than to halt the deal, adding: 'When the president of the United States is openly hostile, the government has to rethink.'
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage welcomed the news, urging the government to help Chagossians resettle. Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesperson Calum Miller described the handling as 'shambolic'. The Chagos Islands, known as the British Indian Ocean Territory, have been controlled by the UK since the 19th century.
