Sir Keir Starmer has withdrawn the Chagos Islands bill from parliamentary debate following a backlash from US President Donald Trump, who called the deal an act of “great stupidity”. The legislation, due for debate in the House of Lords on Monday, has been delayed amid warnings it could breach a 1966 treaty with the US that asserts UK sovereignty over the archipelago.
The government accused peers of “irresponsible and reckless behaviour” for interfering with national security. While sources insist the bill will return, opponents claim it cannot proceed without US support. Trump had initially appeared to back the deal during a February visit to the White House but later reversed his position on social media.
The bill is intended to secure the future of the strategically important Diego Garcia military base, used by UK and US forces since the 1970s. Ministers argue the handover to Mauritius is necessary due to international court rulings favouring Mauritian sovereignty claims. The Conservatives have suggested the deal breaks the 1966 UK-US treaty, with Tory leader Kemi Badenoch accusing Starmer of a “shameful surrender” that may be illegal.
The government spokesperson stated: “This is irresponsible and reckless behaviour by peers, whose role is to check legislation, not interfere with our national security priorities.” Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel criticised Starmer for handing over British territory and £35bn to an ally of China, even if it conflicts with international law. The delay follows a Tory motion in the Lords demanding a postponement of treaty ratification to avoid breaking international law.
