Trump Demands Starmer Abandon Chagos Transfer Amid Fierce Criticism
Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure to abandon the controversial agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, following a dramatic intervention from former US President Donald Trump. In a blistering social media post, Trump labelled the plan a "big mistake" and warned against losing control of the strategically vital Diego Garcia military base.
Security Fears Over Diego Garcia Base
The proposed century-long lease agreement, which Labour has negotiated, would see the British Overseas Territory handed to Mauritius while maintaining the joint US-UK military installation on Diego Garcia. Trump explicitly cautioned Starmer not to "give away" or "lose control" of this crucial asset, highlighting its importance for potential military operations, including against Iran.
This outburst represents a significant reversal from Trump's previous position, coming less than a day after the US State Department expressed support for the UK's decision to proceed with the Mauritius agreement. The contradiction has thrown the deal into further uncertainty, likely forcing further parliamentary delays.
Chagossian Plea for British Sovereignty
Interim First Minister of the Chagos Islands government, Misley Mandarin, made an emotional appeal on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, urging Starmer to "be a hero" by cancelling the agreement. Mandarin, part of a group of four Chagossians who recently returned to the islands, emphasised their British citizenship and desire to remain under UK sovereignty.
"We came to our homeland and we said that it has to stay British because we are British citizens," Mandarin declared, highlighting the decades-long struggle of Chagossians expelled in the 1960s to make way for the military base.
Political Backlash and Financial Concerns
The agreement faces fierce opposition from multiple political quarters. Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel described Trump's intervention as "an utter humiliation for Starmer," while Tory peer Lord Kempsell declared "Starmer's deal is finished." Reform MP Andrew Rosindell noted the irony of an American president appearing more concerned with British national interests than the UK government.
Financial implications add to the controversy, with the deal estimated to cost UK taxpayers tens of billions of pounds over the century-long lease period. The agreement includes a payment to Mauritius potentially reaching £30 billion.
Government Defence and Legal Controversy
Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones defended the agreement as crucial for national security, confirming that legislation to approve the handover would return to Parliament "as soon as parliamentary time allows." A Foreign Office spokesperson emphasised that the deal represents "the only way to guarantee the long-term future of this vital military base."
Further controversy surrounds the revelation that Philippe Sands KC, a close friend of Starmer, received a share of an £8 million payment for his work as chief legal counsel to Mauritius during negotiations. While Sands confirmed he was remunerated for his work, the exact amount remains undisclosed.
Historical Context and Current Developments
The Chagos Islands sovereignty dispute dates to 1965 when they were separated from Mauritius before independence. The expelled population has waged a long campaign for return rights. Recently, a small group of Chagossians arrived by boat in a final attempt to reclaim ancestral land before the potential transfer.
With US officials scheduled to discuss security arrangements in Port Louis next week, and Trump's intervention suggesting possible renegotiation demands, the future of this strategically significant territory remains deeply uncertain. The government faces balancing international agreements, security concerns, financial implications, and the rights of displaced Chagossians.
